"Based on the initial success of Amex Sync for offers, we know there is significant power in combining our assets with Twitter's platform to bring value to Cardmembers and merchants, " said Leslie Berland, Senior Vice President, Digital Partnerships and Development at American Express.

ENGADGET: American Express cardholders can now buy goods by tweeting special hashtags

Ford never was destined to be able to wield forever the initial advantages of its pioneering Sync system.

FORBES: Ford Is Cut Up By Cutting Edge Of Car-Infotainment Technology

Nintendo's Wii U tablet controller thankfully streamlines that process in a small, but tremendously meaningful way: during initial console setup, you're prompted to sync your television and the tablet controller, allowing the tablet itself to control the TV's power, volume, channels, and input directly.

ENGADGET: Nintendo's Wii U tablet controller and the death of your TV's remote control