New Plaxo syncs Macs, Windows, mobiles

Plaxo today revamped its sync platform with Plaxo 3, a new version of its tool that brings contacts and calendars to multiple systems. The new version unifies not only Internet-only services such as Google Calendar and Yahoo but also disparate Mac OS X and Windows systems: Address Book, iCal, and other services from the former can pair up their data with Windows systems running Outlook or Windows Mail as well as many smartphones. A new feature dubbed the Sync Dashboard helps expand the number of platforms in sync just by adding new endpoints; users can also now use a feature titled Plaxo Pulse to make sure all platforms are up to date on friends' Flickr photo updates, Amazon lists, and contact changes.

Also improved is the address book with live search, Yahoo directions for addresses, and quick links for Jajah VoIP calls; the new calendar suite includes view of upcoming events as well as countdowns, Flickr photos, weather, and publich sharing.

A beta version of Plaxo 3 is available now and includes both the web tools as well as customized software for Mac OS X and Windows. Those willing to pay for Plaxo Premium's currently unlisted price also gain support for the business networking website LinkedIn.