Loading...The new version of OneDrive is significantly easier to use than the previous version. Synchronisation is easy with client programs available for Windows, Mac OS, and mobile platforms. You can also share content via a link.
Microsoft has released Preview versions of desktop clients for its cloud-based OneDrive service. It is currently available for Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, as well as for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. Apps for Windows Phone and iOS devices are also available.
Users can now directly access and manage data stored in the Microsoft cloud using Windows Explorer or Finder. All files are automatically matched and displayed in a separate SkyDrive folder. The synchronisation functions on mobile devices. If a user renames a file on their iPhone, it appears on the PC under the new name. The same is true if a file or a folder is deleted or moved.
The desktop clients support uploads and downloads of up to 2 GB files via drag-and-drop, as well as offline access. The “Fetch” feature allows remote access to files that are stored locally on a computer connected to the Internet via the SkyDrive website. This feature even supports video streaming. Two-factor authentication provides additional security along with the standard password.
With the new versions of the client, Microsoft has reduced the storage it provides new users for free: they get only 7 GB instead of 25 GB, though existing customers keep their 25 GB; those who need more capacity can purchase an additional 20 GB, 50 GB or 100 GB. The extra storage comes with a subscription costing $10, $25 or $50. Dropbox, for commparison, offers an additional 100 GB from $99 per year.