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Postbox & Third-Party Syncing Update: What's New? - 3.5.24

March 05, 2024 | 6 min read

Today we are excited to release a refreshed cloud syncing experience that dramatically improves performance and gives you more control and insight into how drafts sync to third-party cloud services such as Dropbox and Google Drive.

Freewrite was designed from the very beginning to be part of a two-step writing process: draft on a Freewrite device, and edit later on your computer. To make this as frictionless as possible, we designed Freewrite to seamlessly sync in the background to Postbox and then to the most common third-party cloud services.

This functionality has existed since shipping the first Freewrite device in 2016 and remains core to the proposed writing workflow. Over the years, we have added Microsoft OneDrive and Evernote and fixed many bugs, but the underlying infrastructure has largely remained the same.

It was time for an overhaul!

Our Goals

When we started on this project almost a year ago, we set out to accomplish the following goals:

  1. Make syncing extremely reliable.Β It should be β€œset it and forget it.”
  2. Improve transparency about when draft syncs are happening and if there are any errors.
  3. Improve consistency in how drafts sync for all 4 supported platforms.
  4. Clearly indicate when syncs are broken at the draft level and at the cloud provider level and provide methods to repair broken connections.
  5. Improve Simple Sync such that it is more useful for most users and create a new Advanced Sync available to Freewrite Plus users for thoseΒ who want more customization.

Today'sΒ update includes new connection status and error visibility, helpful tooltips, the establishment of β€œsimple” vs. β€œadvanced” cloud settings, and more.

Here's what's new:

Enhanced Postbox Draft Sync Icons & Tooltips

Your Postbox draft list now shows in-progress icons when drafts are currently being synced. New red icons with a slash signify drafts that were once synced to that service but are no longer syncing because the connection is broken. Clicking on the red icon provides a method to re-authenticate to the cloud service that should fix the sync.

We’ve also added tooltips that indicate the file name and extension synced to that cloud service. Like before, if you click on a black icon, it will open the synced draft at the selected service. We’ve improved these links to be more reliable.


Streamlined β€œCloud Services” Page

Everything you need to set up cloud sync is now displayed on one convenient page within your Postbox account for easier access and a smoother user experience. β€œSimple” Cloud Settings is the perpetually free, default third-party syncing setup suitable for most people, and the new β€œAdvanced" Cloud Settings is a premium feature of Freewrite Plus that allows more customization. (Find more details below.)

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File Format Selection

Everyone can now choose their preferred file format in addition to service provider under Simple Settings. By popular request we’ve added MD (plain text) as a syncing option for Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

Enhanced Sync Control

Users can selectively sync a single draft to a particular third-partyΒ serviceΒ and now stopΒ a draft from syncing to that additional third-party service.Β 

Download a Word Doc

You can now download a Microsoft Word compatible DOCX file directly from your draft list.

Evernote Enhancement

Freewrite drafts that sync to Evernote will no longer be read-only.

Link Fixes

Issues with Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive links have been resolved.

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Connection Status of Each Third-Party Platform

You’ll now see a clear confirmation of successful connections or be alerted to error states if drafts aren't syncing properly.


Sync Details

Postbox accounts now display the date and time of the last successful sync for better tracking.

Automated Notifications

You’ll receive emails at the email address associated with your Postbox account if there's a disruption in third-party sync, such as a lost connection or full storage.

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All users will have access to Simple Cloud Settings, which is the free, default sync setup. We've added the ability to choose preferred file format which means the Simple configuration will be suitable for virtually everyone. This makes cloud syncing simpler and better than ever.

To customize the file type and sync destination for each folder, users will need the new Advanced Cloud Settings, which is now part of the Freewrite Plus subscription.

Simple Cloud Settings
Advanced Cloud Settings
Free
Choose preferred file format and sync destination for all drafts across all folders (one default configuration)
ChooseΒ preferred file format and sync destination for each folder(up to three unique configurations)

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All Postbox usersΒ can try the new and improved Advanced Cloud Settings for FREE until May 1. At that time, a Freewrite Plus subscription will be required to continue using Advanced Settings. Simple Settings remain free forever.

Excepting Advanced Settings, all other Postbox updates are free and available to all Freewrite users.

These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to providing a seamless and efficient writing environment. We're eager to see how these enhancements will further empower your creativity and productivity!

Write on.

The Freewrite Team

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Do I need to update my Freewrite device?

No, this is not a firmware update for Freewrite devices. The updates are taking place entirely online within Postbox. There is nothing to update or install. The update is now available for all Postbox accounts.

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Will anything happen to my current drafts?

All of your current drafts will stay on your device, in Postbox, and in any third-party storage service you have currently synced. This update simply gives you more options for how to sync your future drafts.

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I just back up to one service, like Google Drive. How does this affect me?

The great majority of users currently use only one syncing service. This update will not affect your current configuration with that service and only enhances your insight into the syncing process and offers more file format choices.

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I don’t use any third-party backup services. How does this affect me?

If you only use Postbox as your draft repository and do not sync to any third-party storage, this update will not affect you. You will notice a few improvements and extra options, however, like the ability to download a Word document from your Postbox draft list.

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What will happen if I was using the old advanced cloud syncing settings but am not subscribed to Freewrite Plus?

If you’re currently using sync settings that now fall under the new Advanced Cloud Settings, you can continue to do soΒ completely FREE until May 1.


Please explore the new Simple Settings and Advanced SettingsΒ to decide which works best for your workflow. You will need to subscribe to Freewrite Plus in order to continue using Advanced Settings after May 1.

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What if I am using Advanced Cloud Settings and am a Freewrite Plus subscriber, but then I end my subscription?

When your Freewrite Plus subscription ends, your account will automaticallyΒ fall backΒ to the Simple Cloud Settings, saving and preserving your Advanced Settings should you choose to upgrade again. However, you will be limited to a single third-party synchronization within Simple Settings and must log into Postbox to choose which service you would like to use.

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What are third-party syncing partners, and what options do I have?

WordsΒ youΒ typeΒ on Freewrite are automatically stored onΒ your device and backed up to the cloud on ourΒ freeΒ web app, Postbox. This service is free forever with your Freewrite device purchase.


Postbox can also connect to third-party storage providers for convenienceΒ or as an additional back-up option. We currently support: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, and Dropbox.


Syncing to a third-party cloud storage provider is also free forever with your Freewrite device purchase. Advanced Cloud Syncing options are available to Freewrite Plus subscribers.


Note: If you don't want to use the cloud, you can also always download your drafts individually from Postbox, or use the [send] key on your Freewrite to email your current draft to yourself.

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What offline options do I have?

Syncing to the cloud is not mandatory when using Freewrite. You can always use your device entirely offline and transfer your work to your computer’s hard drive via the included USB cable. However, you do have to sync your device to Postbox in order to download firmware updates.

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What is Postbox?

Find more information on Postbox here.

March 04, 2026 1 min read

Teachers inspire the next generation of writers β€” and we want to support that work.

Educators: Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of distraction-free drafting tools designed to help students focus on writing instead of screens.

One selected educator will receive a classroom set of 5 Freewrite Alpha devices to pilot with their students.

LEARN ALL ABOUT USING FREEWRITE IN THE CLASSROOM HERE.

Stop by Booth 210 at AWP and submit the following information on a Freewrite. (Or email your answers to annie@astrohaus.com before March 31.)

  • Name
  • Role (professor, instructor, etc.)Β 
  • School/Institution Name
  • A brief (2–3 sentence) explanation of how you would integrate Freewrite into your teaching practice or student writing experience

Make sure to submit your entry by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31.

Eligibility

This giveaway is open to U.S. teachers and educators age 18+ currently employed at an accredited K–12 school, college, or educational institution. Read the full terms and conditions here.

LimitΒ one entry per person.

March 04, 2026 3 min read

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.

1) Sponsor

The Educator Innovation Challenge Giveaway (β€œPromotion”) is sponsored by Astrohaus (β€œSponsor”), the maker of Freewrite writing devices.

2) Eligibility

The Promotion is open only to legal residents of the United States who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry, and
  • Are currently employed as teachers, educators, or administrators at an accredited K–12 school, college, or educational institution in the United States.

Employees, officers, and directors of Sponsor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and immediate family members or those living in the same household are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited by law.

3.) Promotion Period

The Promotion begins on Wednesday, March 4 at 12:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) and ends on Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 PM ET (β€œPromotion Period”). Entries submitted before or after the Promotion Period will not be eligible.

4.) How to Enter

Eligible participants may enter the Promotion by completing the official entry form located at https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/educator-innovation-challenge-giveaway during the Promotion Period. Participants may be asked to provide information including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • School or institution name
  • Grade level or subject taught
  • Classroom use description for the devices

Limit one (1) entry per person during the Promotion Period. Additional entries may be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility.

5.) Prize

One (1) winner will receive: Five (5) Freewrite Alpha devices.

The prize will be awarded to the winning teacher for classroom use. Sponsor may request confirmation of educational affiliation prior to awarding the prize.

Prize is non-transferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent will be provided except at Sponsor’s discretion.

6.) Winner Selection and Notification

The winner will be selected by random drawing from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period.

The potential winner will be notified via the email address provided during entry within approximately 5 business days of the drawing.

If the selected winner:

  • cannot be contacted,
  • fails to respond within 7 days,
  • or is found to be ineligible,

Sponsor may select an alternate winner.

7. Prize Delivery

The prize will be shipped to the winner’s provided address within the United States. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, delayed, or damaged shipments once delivered to the carrier.

8. Taxes

The winner is solely responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes associated with receipt or use of the prize, if applicable.

Sponsor may issue an IRS Form 1099 if required by law.

9. Publicity

By accepting the prize, the winner agrees that Sponsor may use their name, school name, likeness, and statements regarding the Promotion for promotional and marketing purposes in any media without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.

10. General Conditions

Sponsor reserves the right to:

  • Cancel, suspend, or modify the Promotion if fraud, technical failures, or other factors impair the integrity of the Promotion.
  • Disqualify any entrant who violates these Terms & Conditions or tampers with the entry process.

11. Limitation of Liability

By participating in the Promotion, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Astrohaus, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in the Promotion or acceptance, possession, or use of any prize.

12. Privacy

Information submitted by participants will be subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy available at https://getfreewrite.com/pages/privacy-policy.

13. Governing Law

The Promotion and these Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.

January 28, 2026 1 min read

Write every day with the Freewrite team in February.