Google has made an update to Google Drive. They claim that the new Google Drive is designed to be smoother and faster. Google obviously is accelerating to a more universal Google across all devices and platforms. This is a long-term strategy by Google that will see all of the interfaces looking the same. Everything is slowly getting a Google “Plus-ish” feel. The New Google Drive has a modern grid-tile style interface. It seems very much like the design that Windows brought to Windows 8 icons.
Here are some of the features of the new Google Drive:
There is a reduction in the amount of buttons. Right now you can use the big, red “new” button to create new files and folders, upload files and folders, and add or activate Google Drive extensions. Here is a picture of the main section of the Google Drive dashboard showing that main navigation menu.
- Create, add, or upload a file with a single bid-red button.
- Find and add files shared with you more easily by simply clicking the Incoming link.
- Single-click a file to select it and double-click a file to open it.
- Drag-and-drop files and folders.
The Cool Interface
The new tile and grid layout of the folders are really sleek and modern. Off to the right of your screen you are able to see the activity on the entire Drive when you land. If you click on a folder you will see an activity feed of the folder, and if you select individual files you can see even deeper. In my opinion, this is a feature that I have always liked with Google. It is great for team-work. Below you can see a slightly redacted view of my Google Drive dashboard.
The New Dashboard
How do you get this new Google Drive?
Apparently Google is slowly releasing this upgraded Drive to select/random users. Well, if the new Drive is available to you, you should be prompted when you next sign-in. On the other hand, you can check to see whether or not you have it available by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right hand corner of your screen and selecting “Experience the New Drive”. You can always go back to the old drive, for now, by reversing your actions. That means that you will go to the Gears icon and select from the drop-down “Leave the New Drive.” Take a look at the video below to learn more about the new Google Drive.
[wpsocialite]
Video Introducing the New Google Drive
Images Introducing the New Google Drive look and features.
Overall
This update is not a major one. The features are pretty much the same and this update seems to be an update by the team to create a more universal look for Google Drive to follow the Google Plus lead. I am liking the new design and I am sure that you will appreciate it as well.
Older Filter:
New Filter:
The new filter is slightly sleeker and is re-arranged.