We are expecting to hear something official from Google on their new cloud-based Google Drive service sometime today, and now it looks like we may have some more information on the service.
According to the guys over at Reuters, Google Drive will offer up to 100GB of online storage. Of course, this 100GB of storage will cost you some sort of monthly or annual fee, although we have no idea how much as yet.
Free Storage and Pricing Tiers
Google Drive will apparently come with 5GB of storage free for everyone, and then you will be able to pay a fee for more storage, with the maximum available storage being 100GB. The 5GB of storage ties in with the recently increased 5GB of storage that is free from Google Docs, which was increased recently from 1GB. This move aligns Google Drive with other cloud storage services like Dropbox and Microsoft’s OneDrive, which also offer free storage tiers to attract users.
While the exact pricing for additional storage has not been disclosed yet, it is expected that Google will offer competitive rates to entice users to upgrade. For example, Dropbox charges around $9.99 per month for 1TB of storage, so it will be interesting to see how Google positions its pricing.
Integration with Other Google Services
One of the key advantages of Google Drive is its seamless integration with other Google services. Users will be able to store their documents, photos, and videos in Google Drive and access them from any device with an internet connection. This integration extends to Google Photos, Gmail, and Google Docs, making it easier for users to manage their files across different platforms.
For instance, if you are working on a document in Google Docs, you can easily save it to Google Drive and share it with colleagues or friends. Similarly, photos uploaded to Google Photos can be stored in Google Drive, providing a unified storage solution for all your digital content.
Moreover, Google Drive will support various file formats, including PDFs, Microsoft Office files, and high-resolution images, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. The service will also feature robust search capabilities, allowing users to quickly find files by typing in keywords or phrases.
Another exciting feature is the ability to collaborate in real-time. Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, making it an excellent tool for team projects and remote work. Changes are saved automatically, and users can leave comments and suggestions, streamlining the workflow.
Security and Privacy
Security is a significant concern for any cloud storage service, and Google Drive is no exception. Google has assured users that their data will be encrypted both during transfer and while at rest on Google’s servers. This means that your files will be protected from unauthorized access, providing peace of mind for users who store sensitive information.
Additionally, Google Drive will offer two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to your account. Users will need to enter a code sent to their mobile device in addition to their password, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access.
As with any cloud service, users should be aware of the terms and conditions regarding data privacy. Google has a history of using data for targeted advertising, so it is essential to read the privacy policy to understand how your information will be used.
In conclusion, Google Drive promises to be a robust and versatile cloud storage solution, offering competitive storage options and seamless integration with other Google services. With 5GB of free storage and the potential to upgrade to 100GB, it is poised to be a strong contender in the cloud storage market. Hopefully, we should have some more information on Google Drive later today.
Source Gizmodo
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