Cloud came back in buzzing news after the launch of Google Drive. Google Drive, a cloud based app launched last week grabbed much attention by Cloud storage world due to its more space offered compared to competitors, means of use and with a tag “Google”. We will take a look into what are other key players to give tough fight to Google Drive and what’s in house in everyone’s store.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage simply means of external storage (like External Hard Drives and Devices) which is located remotely elsewhere on which you can store any data with the help of the internet and access it anywhere around the globe with any device connected via internet. There is no need to store data on one device like Laptop or Smartphone and carry it along with you to access that data.
There are various cloud apps available in “Google Play” out of which we choose Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and Sugarsync as these apps are free and available on most of the devices.
Here we go with all these apps along with their review and tests conducted on 4 Mbps Wi Fi Connection.
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is simply revamped version of Google Docs (which was a cloud service from long before). Drive is simply integration of all Google services like Docs, Spreadsheets, Music, Photos, Videos, etc. It’s a major move taken by Google as same like Play where they came up with all services under one roof. In Drive android app, Google kept very simplistic UI keeps minimalistic options to choose from.
You can create Document, Spreadsheet on the device itself. Or can upload previous Documents, Spreadsheets, Pictures, Music, Videos and even Voice recorded clipping on Google’s cloud servers. Sharing files with others is the major option here and all people in shared document can edit and change that docs simultaneously. As like in Gmail, Drive also has starred, recent and Offline View options.
Upload Time- WI-Fi- less than 2 min for 4mb file
Download Time- WI-Fi- less than 2 min for 3mb file
Hit- All Google docs in one place, no need to login as it is taken from the default Google account, Simple UI, Faster Upload, More than one account, Option to choose from music player, Option to change name while uploading, Shared documents, Simultaneous Editing for shared docs, Convert to Google doc, Background upload, etc.
Miss- Folder creation, Sort by folder, Store according to our choice and folder, Can’t move once uploaded can’t be moved to SD card, etc.
Download Google Drive.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is a major player in Cloud storage and one of the first of its kind in the market. Dropbox came a long way and has improved a lot time to time. The current version of Dropbox is pretty neat and clear in its form showing Dropbox, Upload and Favorite tabs.
Dropbox by default gives “Getting Started” PDF file in your box to help for first time users. Dropbox allows and stores files in proper sorted folder view with the help of its default ‘Photos’ and ‘Public’ folders and user defined folders too.
Upload Time- Wi-Fi- More than 2 min plus for 4mb file
Download Time- Wi-Fi- less than 2 min for 3mb file
Hit- Simple and well structured Interface, Folder Creation, 500mbextra for 1st upload, Upload with WI-Fi only or both WI-Fi/GPRS, Background upload, built in ‘File manager’ for other file selection, use PIN, etc.
Miss- While uploading Photos it shows in the gallery like view cannot select individual file with name selection, bit slower upload, sharper UI, Can’t be moved to SD card, etc.
Download Dropbox
3. Box
Box is another key player in the Cloud Storage market after Dropbox. Box resembles with Dropbox in some cases like tabs and overall looks. But Box has more in its house and it surpasses in the space offered 5GB higher than that of Dropbox. Box has very sharp and clear interface offering ‘Files’ and ‘Updates’ as major tabs.
Box comes with very influential ‘Box for Android Intro’ video and ‘Box Mobile Guide’ and ‘What is Box’ pdf files helping you get started and understand what Box is. Box allows creation of folders as well as Photos, Videos and Audio. While to upload it allows to choose from the photos, Audio, Video and other Files.
Upload Time- WI-Fi- more than 2 min plus for 4mb file
Download Time- WI-Fi- less than 2 min for 3mb file
Hit- Beautiful and Sharper UI, Built in file manager to choose files, direct camera Photo and Video upload, Folder Creation, Background upload, built in ‘File manager’ for other file selection, use PIN, Can be moved to SD card, etc.
Miss- Bit slower uploads, Recent edited or viewed docs etc.
Download Box
4. SugarSync
SugarSync is one of the left behind and less famous Cloud storage app which comes with more than enough options than any other apps. SugarSync comes with Quick Access, SugarSync Folders and My Devices on the home screen in which it contains recent Docs, Shortcuts, Magic Briefcase and Web Archives.
Magic Briefcase is a somewhat cool feature which stores all your uploaded files and documents. SugarSync allows editing and moving previously uploaded contents. For bonus SugarSync gives 250mb bonus for 1st upload of any document or file.
Upload Time- WI-Fi- more than 2 min plus for 4mb file
Download Time- WI-Fi- less than 2 min for 3mb file
Hit- Folder creation, Rename and Move files, More Devices and their contents, recent viewed and edited files, Bit slower uploads, etc.
Miss- Sharper and better UI, Faster Upload, Background Uploads, Can’t be moved to SD card, etc.
Download SugarSync
Android Cloud Storage Apps Comparison Chart
| Google Drive | Available link for download
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Galaxy S4 Firmware Update Released Frees Storage Space HDR Video Recording And MoreGalaxy S4 Firmware Update Released Frees Storage Space HDR Video Recording And MoreIn the light of the announcements of the Google versions of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4, the talk about Sense and TouchWiz and their associated bloat seems to have petered out. But while an AOSP update is still on the cards for current owners of these two industry darlings, consumers still have to content with this annoying added baggage. The Galaxy S416GB only actually offers 9.15GB of storage once you factor in the extra apps, but a new update for German users of the Korean company’s flagship smartphone brings a little, and I mean very little bit of respite. The update does a little bit of housekeeping and bumps the stock storage capacity up, allowing you to enjoy a bit of extra space for stuff you actually want. Before you go running off to the Play Store to download The Avengers in high definition, though, the update only pushes things up from 9.15GB to 9.23GB. But hey, it’s still a few extra photos, apps or songs for you to retain on your device’s flash storage, and if it ever does occur that an update lets users to do away with all that added timber, at least things won’t be so tight in the meantime.  As well as the minuscule bit of extra space, the update also allows users to move apps to the SD memory card, but obviously, this will likely have an adverse effect on performance. There’s also new camera firmware, HDR video recording, better legibility and a whole host of other bug fixes and performance enhancements. Unfortunately, as aforementioned, the update is only available to German owners of the Snapdragon Galaxy S4 (I9505), but if you don’t happen to reside in the land of poets and thinkers, you can bet that a similar update will soon be available where you are. Of course, things would be a lot easier if the Galaxy S4 released on stock Android (or TouchWiz et al was removable at the discretion of the users), but while this may not have happened from the get-go this time around, the almost repenting move to deliver a ‘Nexus’ version does bode well for future releases.  Anyway, we’ll keep you updated should we hear of any more markets receiving the corresponding Galaxy S 4 update, so stay tuned to our coverage here at Android$Technology ... Available link for download
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