Google Drive Gets a Major Upgrade: Faster Videos, Refined Search, and More
Google Drive, the cloud-based storage platform, is making some significant upgrades to enhance user experience. From improved video playback to a more intuitive search function, these updates promise a smoother and more efficient experience for both individuals and businesses using Google Workspace.
Streamlined Video Playback
Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) is the key to these video playback enhancements. DASH is a technology that allows for adaptive bitrate playback, meaning the quality of the video adjusts automatically based on network conditions. This results in two major improvements:
- Reduced Join Time: Users will notice a faster start-up time for videos, with less waiting time after hitting the play button.
- Minimized Rebuffering: The annoying interruptions caused by rebuffering should be significantly reduced, making for a smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience.
Currently, these changes only apply to videos newly uploaded to Google Drive. However, Google plans to apply DASH transcoding to existing videos by the end of the year, ensuring the benefits are available for all content.
Refined Search Experience on iOS
Google Drive on iOS devices is getting a powerful new search feature. Query filters provide users with a streamlined way to narrow down their search results. These filters can be selected right beneath the search bar, offering three crucial options:
- File Type: This filter lets users search specifically for certain file types like documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or images.
- Owners: This filter helps users find files shared with them or files owned by a specific individual or team.
- Last Modified: Users can quickly pinpoint files that have been recently updated, making it easier to find the latest versions.
While typing a search query, users will also be presented with relevant filters to assist in selecting the most appropriate options. Furthermore, Google is adding the ability to refine search results post-query, allowing users to further refine their search after entering initial keywords.
This refined search function is currently available on iOS devices with plans for Android integration in the near future.
Enhanced Productivity for Connected Sheets
Google is also extending the timeout time for BigQuery and Looker within Connected Sheets. This means users can work with larger datasets for extended periods without having to refresh their connection. The enhanced timeout time will contribute to a more seamless and efficient workflow, especially for those working with extensive datasets.
Benefits Across the Board
These updates will be rolled out to all Google Workspace users, including corporate clients, individual subscribers, and personal account holders. Google has already shipped the features, and they should be available globally for users in the coming days.
The Future of Google Drive
With these updates, Google demonstrates its commitment to providing users with a more efficient and user-friendly experience on Google Drive. The focus on faster video playback, refined search capabilities, and enhanced data analysis tools points towards a future where Google Drive becomes even more integral to daily workflows for individuals and businesses alike.
