FB EDucator

Google on Wednesday announced the release of a revamped Drive app for Android to make creating and accessing files on-the-go easier, via a new card-style grid view and new features such as document scanning. You can grab the new version now directly from Google Play.

First and foremost, Drive files in the Android app are now displayed in a card-style grid view. You can swipe between files as well as glance at large previews to quickly check out their contents.

Here’s a screenshot of the swiping in action on an Android tablet:

While Drive is still very much a cloud storage service, the app now lets you download a copy of your files for offline access (check the actions menu inside settings). This is only available on Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) and up.

The full Google Drive for Android changelog is as follows:

• New grid view makes it easier to find your files.


• New quick preview lets you view photos and other files from within the app.


• Scan documents, receipts and letters for safe keeping in Drive; then search by contents once uploaded.


• Download a copy of files to your local device (Honeycomb+).


• Spreadsheet editor now supports changing fonts, colors and cell alignment.


• View properties of files from within the editors.


• Bug fixes and visual improvements.

More to follow.