Microsoft has announced a major update to its cloud storage service, OneDrive, that brings a new design and improved consumer features. The new design, previously available only for business users, is now rolling out to all OneDrive users across the web, mobile, and desktop platforms.
The new OneDrive design aims to make it easier and faster for users to access and manage their files, photos, and videos in the cloud. Some of the key changes include:
A simplified navigation bar that lets users switch between files, recent, shared, and recycle bin views with one click.
A new command bar that shows contextual actions based on the selected items, such as share, download, delete, and more.
A revamped details pane that shows more information about the selected items, such as file size, date modified, sharing status, and activity history.
A new photo view that automatically organizes photos by date and location, and lets users create albums, slideshows and edit photos with built-in tools.
A new video player that supports streaming and downloading of high-quality videos, and lets users trim, rotate, and add captions to videos with built-in tools.
A new personal vault feature lets users store their most sensitive files in a secure folder requiring an extra layer of authentication to access.
Microsoft says that the new OneDrive design will enhance the user experience and productivity of its cloud storage service, which currently has over 250 million active users. The update will also bring OneDrive in line with the Fluent Design System, Microsoft’s design language for its products and services.
The new OneDrive design is rolling out gradually to all users over the next few weeks. Users can check for updates in their OneDrive settings or visit the OneDrive website to try out the new design.
Microsoft has been at the vanguard of the technical revolution for a long time. And to celebrate the 15th anniversary of OneDrive, the cloud-based system will be given a massive revamp.
Over the coming months, there will be a new landing page – OneDrive Home – which will be the focal point of the app. It will contain a whole host of innovative features to simplify the file-sharing experience.
In many ways, OneDrive Home mimics the Office web app, where you can organize all the files you recently accessed, and this will be split into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF file types.
The OneDrive home experience will be more efficient, so you will be able to catch up on any work or tasks you have missed while you have been away on holiday.
There will also be an array of updated collaboration tools so that colleagues can work on active tasks remotely. This will include threaded comments, @mentions, real-time co-authoring, and highlighted changes. These features will all be available in the Activity tab, so you can see any updates in real-time.
To a certain extent, there are elements of OneDrive Home that will mirror Google Docs as you will be able to view any edits made and any issues can be resolved.
The new home page will act as the central hub, and the OneDrive home landing page will be rolled out to schools and offices.
But it’s not just the OneDrive home page that will be given a makeover. No, Microsoft is also expected to roll out a special photo story feature for the OneDrive mobile app, which will essentially replicate the stories section of Instagram. While this will be available to Australian users soon, US users won’t benefit from this service until later in the year.
Companies are always finding new and intuitive ways to make tweaks so that they can remain relevant and connect with their target audiences. This is prevalent with technology businesses, as software updates need to be carried out to ensure computers can run to optimal performance. The same could be said of the retail industry where shops want to tailor the experience for clients especially when buying products online.
However, the same can be said of digital casinos. Gamblers will want to play at the best sites that are user-friendly, have a good collection of titles, and rewards them for the time spent there. Many of the top operators will be well stocked with an array of casino promotions to tap into, such as no deposit bonuses as well as free spins to entice new players and retain the loyalty of existing players.
Microsoft’s plans for the OneDrive home are bold but exciting. If anything, it will enhance the user experience and make collaborating with colleagues easier.
If you have enjoyed what you have read, you should check out the OneDrive home page when it is finally released. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled on Microsoft for any further updates about the remodelled product.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_subscribers_total=”false” button_on_newline=”false” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get updates right in your inbox” custom_font_size=”16px” custom_border_radius=”0″ custom_border_weight=”1″ custom_padding=”15″ custom_spacing=”10″ submit_button_classes=”” email_field_classes=”” show_only_email_and_button=”true” success_message=”Success! An email was just sent to confirm your subscription. Please find the email now and click 'Confirm Follow' to start subscribing.”]
Microsoft’s cloud storage platform OneDrive, now lets you securely keep your most sensitive information in a personal vault. Personal Vault is a protected area in OneDrive that can only be accessed by verification on each visit. Providing you with an extra layer of protection for your stored data.
OneDrive already comes with robust security. But this new feature gives you an added layer of protection on your files. Files you feel need more protection incase someone gets access to your account or device. A two factor form of verification is needed before contents can be viewed or edited.
How does it work?
It uses a second step of identity verification such as Windows Hello, Microsoft authenticator app, your fingerprint, face, PIN, a code sent to you via email or SMS. Other security features include auto locking and a BitLocker encryption. Microsoft says it also asks browsers not to cache accessed information.
Microsoft encourages you to store sensitive data such as your passport, driver’s license, insurance information, etc. But you can store anything personal and sensitive to you without limitation.
The feature is globally available to all users with a OneDrive account. Users with free or 100GB stand alone OneDrive account can save only 3 files. Unlimited usage works with any Office 365 subscriber.
