For months now, a variety of Google services have been receiving the all-white material redesign. Next up on the list? Files Go, Google’s file management app. But in addition to the redesign, the app also received a name change — it’s now known as Files by Google.
Launched last December, Files by Google makes it easier for users to free up space on their device, find files, and share them with others even if they’re offline. It breaks down how many gigabytes are being used on the device out of the amount available and also neatly filters your content based on category. The more you use Files by Google, the smarter it gets by suggesting tips to help free up space.
While Files was originally meant for Android Go devices, Google shared that it has grown to more than 30 million monthly users in under a year across different types of smartphones. Even those with a 4G connection and high-end phones (with tons of storage) have been using the app to manage and organize their content.
It’s also not to be confused with Apple’s Files app which launched alongside iOS 11 last year. Similar to Files by Google, Apple’s app essentially keeps all your documents together and organized on your iPhone and iPad. You can search for files through third-party storage providers as well, and it also syncs across all your iOS devices so you can pick up on your Mac where you left off on your iPad.
The redesigned version of Google’s Files offers the same functionality, but with a cleaner look. As with past redesigns, the app has been stripped of its bright colors and cartoon-like graphics for the all-white and blue design found on apps like Google News and Google Fit. The new look is intended to keep content on your smartphone as the main focus, without unnecessary distractions.
At the bottom, Files is now separated into three different tabs — Clean, Browse, and Share. When opening the app, you’re greeted with the Clean tab which lists how many gigabytes you’ve used and how many you have left. Below that, you will see any duplicate files you can delete, unused apps you can erase, and more. Under Browse, you can access all of your files that are organized by category and you can tap on Share to transfer files offline.
Files is currently available for download via the Google Play Store.
Updated November 8, 2018: Google redesigns Files Go app, now known as Files by Google.
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