This is another topic that has been talked about a lot since the beginning of the year: Google's cloud storage system. But when it comes to Google Drive, there are only rumors, suspicions, and the occasional leaked photo. This time, a screenshot could show that the its premiere day is approaching.
Some images showing the Google Drive integration With Lucidchart, an app for creating diagrams and graphs online, they're moving in that direction. The Lucidchart dashboard offers the option to sync work done in the app with Google Drive. It even offers the option to Sync documents created with Google Drive only in their folders or with those of Lucidchart.
However, the integration is only theoretical. Attempts to enter Google Drive fail. It seems that Google would be implementing it in collaboration with some services collaborative work to carry out tests and only a few developers would have real access to cloud storage.
To give strength to this idea, the people at The Verge who have obtained the images remember that the president of Lucidchart is Karl Sun, a former prominent Google executive. Sun reportedly spearheaded Google's efforts in China and also founded its patent department. Once outside Google, he continued to work with them on Google.org, the company's philanthropic arm.
Let us remember that it has been said that Google Drive will be more of a cloud platform than just a personal storage system. There has been talk that he would go out with five gigabytes of free capacity and, from there, would charge an amount for extra storage, but always at very reasonable prices. It has also been mentioned that Files hosted on Google Docs would not count toward this limit.We'll soon find out.
What the leaks show about the interface and access
Several users have seen the service activated on a timely basis and have shared screenshots where a interface very similar to Google Docs: List of files, folders, shared items, and starred items. These screens even include a link. “Install Google Drive” which was reportedly not yet operational at the time, suggesting the arrival of a desktop and mobile application to synchronize files.
It has also been noted that the URL drive.google.com returned an error before opening to the public, a classic indication of progressive deployments. These signs fit with the collaboration with third-party apps view in Lucidchart and point to a phased rollout.
Free capacity, paid plans and apps available
Among the most consistent rumors is that each account would include 5 GB freeSome voices ventured that they could be 1 GB, but the 5GB figure has been repeated strongly against competitors like Dropbox with 2 GB freeFor those who need more, the following have been cited: very competitive payment plans: 25 GB per $ 2,49 / month, 100 GB per $ 4,99 / month and even up 1 TB for around $ 49,99 / month. In expanded accounts, storage of Gmail could increase up to approximately 25 GB.
As for availability, along with the web version, we expect Native “Dropbox-like” clients for Windows and macOS, in addition to application for Android from the first day and arrival after iOSIt would not be strange if Chrome OS It will also be integrated in a privileged way, given its connected nature.
Integration with the Google ecosystem and third parties
Drive would not just be cloud space: it would be born as open platformThere has been talk of direct integration with gmail all with attach files from Drive and with Google+ to share photos. On the third-party side, the existence of a API so that apps can save and open content from Drive, with launch examples such as Balsamiq (sketches), Lucidchart (diagrams), Hellofax (sending faxes) and SlideRocket (presentations).
In smart functions, it is expected OCR to recognize text in scanned documents and image recognition inspired by Google Goggles so that photos of places or products are searchable. Support has also been cited for more than 30 file types (including Photoshop PSDs and HD video), collaborative comments in documents and a target uptime of 99,9%.
Competitors, expectations and open debates
The landing will take place in a market where they already compete Dropbox, Microsoft (SkyDrive/OneDrive), Box or Evernote. For this reason, several publications point out that the integration will be key with the Google ecosystem and third-party apps, more than just an increase in gigabytes. Some early evaluations spoke of few surprises Contrary to previous rumors, the feature set promises to be solid.
There has also been debate about the terms and conditions of use: Draft terms indicated broad licenses for use, host, store, reproduce or create derivative works of the content, something that has generated privacy concern and which Google often justifies as necessary to provide the service and share files.
Progressive availability and initial adoption data
Before the general announcement, some signs reinforced the proximity of the deployment: the expanding space in Google Docs in Google Apps accounts and the appearance of Drive in support documents. After its availability, several media outlets reported that in the first few hours million downloads of the app, confirming the interest accumulated over years of rumors.
In any case, everything points to Google Drive coming to create, share and collaborate with documents, videos, photos and PDFs in the cloud, with aggressive prices, good applications and a clear commitment to integration.
Via The Verge.
