Microsoft is giving one of its most-maligned tools a birthday makeover

OneDrive gets an updated design with better file management, sharing controls, and photo libraries

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Microsofthas announced a new design for itsOneDriveplatform as it reaches a landmark anniversary.

Launched in 2007 initially as a document storage space, OneDrive developed into an all-encompassingcloud storageoffering for photos, videos, and other types of media, with a number of tweaks over the past decade looking to ensure better file management and collaboration.

“Today, we’re celebrating the 15th anniversary of OneDrive,” the company wrote in a Microsoft 365blog post. “We’d like to take a moment to thank you for using OneDrive, whether you’re tackling a big project at work, planning a family reunion, backing up important content to your new device, or connecting with friends and loved ones through photos and videos.”

(ed: Check out our comparisons:Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive,Microsoft OneDrive vs DropboxandMicrosoft OneDrive vs iCloud)

Microsoft OneDrive update

As part of its latest update, Microsoft OneDrive will now highlight your most relevant and recently used files in a similar manner toGoogleDrive, in the hope that it can save you some time in digging around for them.

While suggestions can be helpful, Microsoft has added file type filters in the ‘Recent’ view, in recognition that some workers may need access to a large number of files at any given time. If you desperately need daily access to an area of your drive, or you just prefer to be hyper-organized, specific libraries can be pinned to the ‘Quick access’ section on the left hand side of OneDrive’s homepage.

Additionally, in the style ofGoogle Drivewhich has been around for almost precisely a decade, OneDrive’s new Activity column will “[surface] the most recent, unseen edits, and comments on your shared documents.” It’s visible from the ‘My files’ view, and is designed to make real-time collaboration a little easier.

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OneDrive sharing

Microsoft’s services extend beyond OneDrive, with business users often straddling SharePoint and Teams borders, too. Continuity has historically been somewhat lacking, which Microsoft hopes with its new summer 2022 update it will be able to rectify.

Sharing controls are also more in tune across the web services, with a more “robust way to grant access to information, set granular sharing controls, see everyone you’ve shared files with and manage access settings across individuals and groups.” This is a move that could be seen as a counteraction against Google, which also recentlytweaked its sharing sheet.

OneDrive photos

The company’s final update is designed to take on the curated libraries seen in the likes ofiCloud Photos, and involves “[bringing] all your memories into a private, invitation-only feed that you can share with family and friends.”

Much likeApple’s offering, comments and reactions take centre stage in this new photo sharing view.

Strangely, the updates have arrived in Australia first, with the United States and other countries to follow later this year. Users will be able to access the changes across the OneDrive mobile app for Android and iOS, as well as in theirweb browser.

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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