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40 'Drive' stories March 2013 - November 2015

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Google expands Local Guides in Maps with new rewards

Jordan Kahn Nov 13 2015 - 10:22 am PT

Google announced today that it’s expanding the Local Guides feature it has for Google Maps that aims to act as a community-driven virtual guide for points of interest with an integrated rewards program (which it could position as a Yelp competitor).

Among the biggest update for the expansion is new rewards for users, allowing access to upgraded Google Drive storage, early access to Google products and features, and more.

Google detailed the new rewards, which include the ability for users to earn a free 1 TB upgrade of Drive storage by accumulating a certain number of points. The top reward will make users eligible to attend Google’s inaugural summit in 2016: “… you’ll be able to meet other top Guides from around the world, explore the Google campus, and get the latest info about Google Maps. Look out for details early next year.”

Here’s a look at the new rewards:

Level 1 (0 – 4 points): Enter exclusive contests (think new Google devices!) in select countries.

Level 2 (5 – 49 points): Get early access to new Google products and features.

Level 3 (50 – 199 points): Show up in the Google Maps app with your official Local Guides badge.

Level 4 (200 – 499 points): Receive a free 1 TB upgrade of your Drive storage, allowing you to keep all the stories, photos, and videos from your travels in one safe place.

Level 5 (500+ points): The very top Local Guides will become eligible to apply to attend our inaugural summit in 2016, where you’ll be able to meet other top Guides from around the world, explore the Google campus, and get the latest info about Google Maps. Look out for details early next year.

Users can earn points by using the feature in Google Maps to do things like leaving a review, answering questions, uploading photos, and submitting fixes.

The expansion also includes an update that makes it easier for contributors to view and track local guides they’ve submitted.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puDNfWfILl4]

Updates arrive for Google Docs & Sheets for Android, Drive on the web

Jordan Kahn Nov 13 2015 - 8:11 am PT

Google is rolling out updates this week for Google Docs and Sheets for Android as well as Google Drive on the web, the company announced in two separate blog posts today.

For Sheets, the update brings the ability to “add new and reply to existing comments,” while the updated Google Docs for Android app gets the ability to see suggestions and comments when in the app’s Print Layout view. “resolve, close, accept, or reject those comments and suggestions—making it simpler to move between their desktop and mobile devices.”

Google also highlighted improvements to editing charts in the Sheets app on Android:

…if a user a selects a single cell and inserts a chart, we’ll automatically expand that data selection to include the immediately surrounding cells. This will make it easier for users to create robust charts with relevant information. In addition, when an employee creates a new chart, they’ll now see three recommended chart types, which we’ll suggest based on the data they’ve selected.

And lastly for Sheets, users will start to notice the 400 new fonts Google began rolling out to Sheets on the web this week.

As for Google Drive, the web app gets improved organization with new smarter sorting in the app’s ‘Recent’ view:

The new sorting experience removes the existing sorting dropdown options (‘Last modified,’ ‘Last modified by me,’ and ‘Last opened by me’) and replaces them with a dynamically-generated view based on the actions of the person using Drive. Items will continue to be segmented into time-based sections (‘Today,’ ‘Earlier this week,’ etc), and will now indicate whether each item was opened, modified, or uploaded by the user directly in the UI. The smarter sorting ensures that items acted upon by the user are more likely to be shown than items acted upon by other collaborators.

The updated Google Sheets and Docs apps are rolling out now.

Google Drive for iOS update brings multiple file select, quick sharing, and more

Jordan Kahn Sep 3 2015 - 2:05 pm PT

A new update to Google Drive for iOS brings a couple notable, highly-requested features to the app. Included in the update, users will now be able to select multiple files at once in order to perform an action like saving for offline, adding a star to important files, or rearranging and organizing. The new feature is something that has long been requested by users and makes managing and sharing multiple files at once much easier than in the past.

In addition, the update includes the ability to share, rename or view file details much quicker with new quick share buttons when tapping on a file.

And lastly, Google says the updated app will include the usual performance improvements.

The updated Google Drive app for iOS is available on the App Store now.

Google Docs gains speech to text, new templates, smart sheets, more

Tom Maxwell Sep 2 2015 - 12:01 pm PT

Update: Two other minor updates targeted to business customers have also been included. Text inside a Sheets cell can now be partially formatted, rather than formatting all the text to one font style (i.e. italics), and Google’s fonts are preserved when opening a Docs or Sheets file in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Google has today pushed a bunch of new features and general improvements to its Docs suite of web-based productivity apps. It’s the beginning of the school year so it’s no surprise that the company’s post on the changes is targeted towards teachers, but anyone using Docs will benefit.

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Google axes editing of Docs on mobile web, presenting install banners for multiple file types

Tom Maxwell Jul 27 2015 - 3:33 pm PT

Google Drive for the mobile web has always restricted editing to just Docs files — attempting to edit Sheets or Slides files required downloading the Google Drive app for iOS or Android. That changes today. No, you won’t be able to edit Sheets or Slides files now, but rather Google is also killing off the editing capabilities in Docs for mobile web.

The change makes total sense, if for consistency at the very least. But Google says it’s because the Drive native mobile app is “easier to use and offers more robust functionality.” Native apps typically have more access to the hardware and system-level software capabilities of the devices they’re installed on than web apps, and since they are downloaded directly onto the device, much of the boilerplate user interface doesn’t have to be loaded from the Internet each time the user goes to use them.

From now on, when a Drive user opens a Docs, Sheets, or Slides document from the mobile web, they’ll be presented with one of Google’s new app install banners that make it easy to launch or download the native app, and then be taken directly to the file they were initially viewing in the browser. Tapping the pencil icon in the top right will also trigger the banner to appear.

The user interface across the mobile web viewers for the three aforementioned editing tools have also been cleaned up to create a more consistent experience, which is nice.

Google Apps customers can now whitelist external domains for cross-sharing

Tom Maxwell Jul 13 2015 - 12:55 pm PT

Customers of Google’s Internet-based productivity suite, this one’s for you: As an Apps for Business or Education admin, you can now whitelist specific outside domains to share files with people across organizations.

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Gartner: Chromebook sales up 24 percent over 2014, still huge in education

Tom Maxwell May 21 2015 - 9:25 am PT

Gartner today released the results of a report finding that Chromebooks in 2015 have continued to see double-digit year-over-year growth for Google with education still as the primary market for browser-based computers. 7.3 million Chromebook units are expected to be sold in 2015, a 27 percent increase over 2014, while 72 percent of those sales are expected to be from the education sector.

In the above chart breaking down Chromebook sales for 2014 by region and segment, you can see education held the lion’s share in all the major markets Google sells to, with consumer sales coming in second, and sales to the business segment trailing far behind – save for in Asia Pacific, where those latter two are reversed.
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Google Drive for Android gets updated w/ performance improvements, PDF enhancements

Jordan Kahn May 13 2015 - 1:22 pm PT

Google is rolling out an update for the Google Drive for Android app today that it says brings a long list of performance improvements and polish.

Google says the update also includes enhancements to PDFs with “the ability to see completed form data.”

The updated Google Drive for Android app, version 2.2.183.15, should be available to all through Google Play over the coming week.

Google released updates to other Android apps today including new features for Google Docs and Slides and improvements for Gmail.

Google Drive for Work and Apps for Education getting plethora of new security features

Stephen Hall Mar 31 2015 - 10:46 am PT

Google has today announced that it’s bringing new sharing controls, alerts and “audit events” to both Google Drive for Work and Google for Education over the coming weeks. Security is one of the biggest concerns that companies have about moving their data to the cloud, and Google hopes these new features will help make the transition just a little bit easier…

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Latest Drive for Android update hints at automatic photo/video back-up and Chromecast support

Chance Miller Mar 6 2015 - 6:18 pm PT

Google rolled out an update to the Drive Android app earlier this week, and as usual, what it touted in the change log wasn’t all that changed. Android Police has dug deeper into the APK update file and noticed some changes that hint at major new features coming to the app. First off, it appears that Google Drive will take over the task of backing up photos and videos for users, a responsibility that has been held by Google+ since its inception.

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Google Drive for Android updated w/ drag & drop file support, interface tweaks

Chance Miller Mar 4 2015 - 4:43 pm PT

In honor of Update Wednesday, Google this evening has started rolling out a new version of the Drive Android app. The update bumps the app to version 2.2 and focuses on improving navigation and usability throughout the interface.

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Google adds Docs, Sheets, & Slides shortcuts to App Launcher

Jordan Kahn Dec 17 2014 - 1:01 pm PT

Google today announced that it’s adding new shortcuts for its Google Drive web apps— Docs, Sheets, and Slides— to the App Launcher feature accessible from the upper right corner of most its web services (pictured right). The new shortcuts join services like Search, Mail, Calendar, and Drive that were previously accessible from the App Launcher.

For regular users, Google is adding Docs to the main section of the App Launcher and making Sheets and Slides shortcuts available by opting in when visiting the apps:

And the next time you visit sheets.google.com or slides.google.com, you’ll see the option to add Sheets and Slides to the launcher as well. Remember that you can always rearrange the icons to your liking by just clicking and dragging them around… One note–if you’ve already customized the arrangement of your icons, you’ll need to visit docs.google.com and click “Add a shortcut” in the App Launcher to get the Docs icon to appear.

For Google Apps users, Google will put Docs, Slides, and Sheets shortcuts in the App Launcher by default and bump Groups and Contacts into the “More” section of the launcher.

Apps users can expect the change to kick in early next month.

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for Android get updated with a slew of new features

Stephen Hall Dec 15 2014 - 1:19 pm PT

Google has announced today that, following a slew of updates that came to the Google Drive collection of iOS apps last week, the company’s Android apps for Drive are also receiving a few updates today:

Docs has some new, handy line spacing controls that let you choose single, double or fractional line spacing, Sheets has scrollbars for faster navigation, and you can now insert, move, resize and rotate text boxes, shapes and lines in the updated Slides app.

All three apps are now even friendlier with Office files with easier file creation and other updates, and we’ve added better accessibility options and squashed some bugs.

The updates coming to this set of apps may seem minor, but there are a few notable additions here. Scrollbars in sheets is going to make that app much more usable, and the ability to create and edit graphics within Slides is going to make it much easier to make presentations that are closer to what you’d be able to do on the desktop.

Google says that the updates should be rolling out today. If you don’t already have them, you can get the Docs, Sheets, and Slides Google Drive apps over on the Play Store for free.

Google updates Drive and Docs sharing with profile pictures and suggested recipients

9to5 Staff Dec 11 2014 - 11:04 am PT

Google has made a couple of updates to its Drive and Docs editors that deliver smarter sharing and make it easier for collaborating with others. Starting today, after adding an email address to the sharing dialogue on either service, you will see profile pictures for each person you’ve added and, after adding two collaborators, suggested recipients based on who you frequently share emails or files with.
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Google bundling 1TB of Drive storage with the purchase of select Chromebooks

Mark Hearn Nov 21 2014 - 10:17 am PT

Chromebook’s are becoming a viable option for people with simple computing needs, and while the laptop alternative typically ships with limited local storage, Google often tosses in 100GB of cloud space from Google Drive for two years. But to sweeten the pot this holiday season, the search giant is turning the dial up quite a few notches and tossing in 1TB of Drive storage with the purchase of an eligible Chromebook.

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Google+ Hangouts Drive app discontinued, replaced with inline chat sharing

Stephen Hall Nov 19 2014 - 12:42 pm PT

Google has today announced that the Google Drive app within Hangouts has been discontinued, and is being replaced by the ability to share links to Drive files directly within the Hangouts chat window.
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Google Drive for iOS adds Touch ID unlocking, video saving, iPhone 6/Plus support, more

Zac Hall Nov 6 2014 - 11:13 am PT

In addition to updating its Maps app with an overhauled design, Google has released a new version of its Drive app for iPhone and iPad users adding support for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as well as some new iOS 8 features.

The Google Drive file storage app can now be secured using Touch ID so users with supported devices (iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3) can unlock the app using the fingerprint scanner. The new version of Drive also includes an extension to “open form and save to Drive in other apps” for iOS 8 users, and videos can now be saved from Drive to the Photos app (instructions below). Google says the new version of Drive for iPhone and iPad also includes full iOS 8 compatibility, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

Google Drive 3.3 for iPhone and iPad is available for free on the App Store. Full change log below.
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Google Drive now lets you open files in compatible Mac & PC apps w/ new Chrome extension

Jordan Kahn Nov 5 2014 - 9:34 am PT

Google announced today that it’s releasing a new Chrome extension called Application Launcher for Drive that allows users to open files directly from its Google Drive service in compatible apps on a Mac or PC. The extension adds an “Open With” option that will let users launch files in apps like, for example, Mac OS X’s Preview app or third-party editing apps like those from Adobe and Microsoft.
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Google Drive for Android gets improved search, better sharing & enhanced PDF viewer

9to5 Staff Oct 29 2014 - 2:25 pm PT

Google has updated Drive for Android with a Material Design facelift and three new features in improved search, better sharing and an enhanced PDF viewer that make it easier for users to find, view and share through the app. The update will be rolling out on the Play Store for Android devices over the next several days.

The new search bar in Drive is easier and more predictive at finding content by updating results as each letter is typed into the field. Meanwhile, the app has improved sharing functionality that allows for users to write a custom comment on shared files so that all collaborators know why they sent it.
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Microsoft OneDrive now provides unlimited cloud storage for Office 365 subscribers

9to5 Staff Oct 27 2014 - 12:45 pm PT

Microsoft on Monday announced that it will be eliminating its top-tier cloud storage plan and offering unlimited cloud storage to Office 365 subscribers at no additional cost. The change will begin rolling out today for Office 365 Home, Personal and University customers and will continue over the coming months.
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Google Drive now supports curved and elbow connector lines in Drawings and Slides

Mark Hearn Sep 16 2014 - 10:58 am PT

In an effort to make its office software suite more appealing to business types, Google Drive desktop users can now use Drawings to make elbow and curved connections between items. These new options are ideal for visual projects like flowcharts and instruction manuals.

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Google Forms adds custom themes & new survey designs

Jordan Kahn Sep 2 2014 - 9:44 am PT

Google announced today that it’s rolling out the ability to customize themes in its Google Forms web app. It’s also adding a number of new pre-made survey designs to the current selection of templates.

One of your top requests has been the ability to add your own personal touch to forms, and starting today you can with custom themes.

You can customize a theme using a new “Change theme” button in the toolbar (pictured above). From there, you can add your own photos or logos to the header, customize fonts and colors, pick a background, and more.

Google also gave a look at some of the new themes it’s added:

More on adding custom themes in Forms here.

Logitech debuts Protection+ case for Samsung Galaxy S5, available in August

Mike Beasley Jul 16 2014 - 1:00 am PT

Logitech today revealed its newest line of smartphone cases, including the Protection+ for the Samsung Galaxy S5. The cases are designed to absorb shocks and other potential damage to smartphones while maintaining a slim design.

The corners of the Protection+ are specially-designed to absorb shocks without breaking and dissipate the energy of the impact across the surface of the case. The case can keep your Galaxy S5 safe after drops of up to nearly six feet and goes beyond the U.S. military’s requirements for a “rugged” device.

Logitech also debuted its +trip and +drive car accessories, which allow users to mount nearly an smartphone and case (including the Protection+, of course) to an air vent (+trip) or windshield/dashboard (+drive).

The Protection+ case will retail for $34.99, while the +trip mount will cost $29.99, and the +drive mount will run for $49.99. All three products will be available for purchase in August.

Logitech protection+ Case Gives Peace of Mind
to On-the-Go Samsung and iPhone Users
Slim Case Combines Ultra-Protective Construction and Convenience in One

NEWARK, Calif. — July 16, 2014 — Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced the Logitech® protection+ case, bringing extra protection and convenience to Samsung Galaxy S®5 and Apple iPhone® 5 and iPhone® 5s owners. Featuring a slim, yet ultra-protective, outer shell, flex-resistant corners and impact-absorbent channels, this case safeguards your smartphone from whatever the world throws at it.
“Our smartphones take quite a beating,” said Ariel Fischer, director of smartphone accessories at Logitech. “We designed the Logitech protection+ to give you peace of mind disguised in a great looking protective case that absorbs the daily shocks your phone experiences.”
The protection+ case features a hard polycarbonate body with impact-resistant polymers in each corner that mitigate damage from impacts by absorbing shocks and dissipating them across the surface of your case. Additionally, tucked inside its polycarbonate shell, the case has impact channels and a layer of thermoplastic rubber to further absorb vibrations. For added assurance, Logitech protection+ exceeds the U.S. Military drop-test standard (MIL-STD 810 G) for “rugged” devices, protecting your phone from drops up to 1.8 meters high.
The case also features a hidden metal plate that is compatible with all Logitech smartphone mounts, including +drive and the all-new +trip.
+trip

The +trip quickly clips to any air vent in your vehicle to keep your smartphone secure and in view. A magnet securely holds your smartphone to the +trip mount, so you can keep your audio, navigation and phone calls right where you want them. The small and stylish +trip is designed for use during daily commutes and business trips. The +trip mount includes two universal adapters, so it’s compatible with smartphones of all shapes and sizes.
+drive

The modern looking +drive mount instantly attaches to your windshield or dashboard thanks to a single twist-activated suction cup while a magnet secures your smartphone in place. The +drive comes with two universal adapters to seamlessly hold any smartphone or case vertically or horizontally.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech protection+ case, +trip air vent mount, and +drive windshield/dashboard mount are all expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in August 2014, for suggested retail prices of $34.99, $29.99 and $49.99 respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.logitech.com.
About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Google Drive hits 190 million 30-day active users

Jordan Kahn Jun 25 2014 - 11:06 am PT

Along with all of the other numbers and company updates Sundar Pichai shared today, he also just announced during the enterprise portion of the event that Google has now hit 190 million Google Drive users. That’s thanks to strong growth among enterprise customers and includes only active users over a 30-day period. The announcement comes alongside new features announced for the Drive suite of apps across devices.

More stats and numbers from Google’s I/O Keynote today are here.