Google is updating the web version of one of its widely used services -- Google Drive -- with a new feature that might be a welcome addition for many. While the desktop app and the smartphone apps come with ‘Available Offline’ feature, the web version didn’t. But with the latest update, the feature is finally available for Google Drive web.
“You can already make Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files available offline. Now, as part of a new beta, you can mark also PDF, image, Microsoft Office, and other non-Google files for offline access using Google Drive on Chrome,” stated the G Suite blog post.
It has also been mentioned that while this feature has finally reached the web version, it is yet to be made available for all the Google Drive users. It is still in the beta version and one can simply apply for the beta program to get it. This will eventually be there for both admins and end users.
“This feature helps complete the offline experience for Google Drive. Now, users can access their important non-Google files in an offline setting, like when they’re traveling or when there’s poor internet connectivity,” adds the blog post.
Also mentioned is that the feature is not currently available on ChromeOS but the firm is working on bringing this feature to the OS in future.
For those signing for the beta version, this feature will be switched on by default. Users can simply right click on any file inside Drive’s web version and click on ‘Make available offline’. One can also use the offline preview feature as well.
Also, to become a beta member you will have to fill a form.
On a related note, Google recently announced that it will be making Drive and Photos services independent from each other. This means that going forward, those images uploaded on Google Photos won’t be visible on Drive and vice-versa. This aims to reduce confusion among users.