The new Google Drive desktop app with Photos starts rolling out

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Earlier this year, Google announced it was revamping its desktop client strategy for Drive. The new “Google Drive for desktop” which replaces “Backup and Sync” by adding automatic Google Photos upload is now available for some users.

Google has long had two desktop clients for backing up data to its cloud. Drive File Stream for business users was renamed “Google Drive for desktop” in January. The company followed that announcement by revealing how the consumer-centric Backup and Sync app will disappear in 2021 for a unified approach.

Personal accounts and business customers would use the same Drive client for desktop with the addition of Google Photos backup. Other consumer features include Apple Photos library loading and attached USB storage support. Furthermore:

Other features for upcoming consumers include syncing local folders (Docs, Desktop, etc.) to Google Drive and logging into multiple accounts. Meanwhile, regular users will be able to sync individual files in My Drive for offline use, a dark mode, and see some Microsoft Office and Outlook integrations.

These features are starting to roll out with version 49 of Google Drive for desktop. At launch, Google analyzes the main highlights:

Securely store all your files – choose folders on your computer to sync with Google Drive, backup to Google Photos, or both Access Google Drive from your computer – stream or mirror files and folders from Google Drive to your computer Use more than one account, without having to switch: connect and access files from four Google accounts at the same time

In the last point, you will be able to “connect and access files from four Google accounts at the same time” with a manager in the upper right corner. Currently, you essentially have to log out every time you want to switch, but this new app allows the backup to work at the same time.

There is the “Stream file” option where all data is stored in the cloud and your computer acts as a simple client, but with the ability to make files and folders available for offline access. The second “My Drive” sync option is “Mirror files”, where everything is stored both on the cloud and on your computer.

Google Photos options include choosing between Storage Space Saver and Original Quality, while there are checkboxes for file types: Uploaded Screenshots and Upload RAW Files.

Version 49.0.8.0 of this new Google Drive desktop app has not yet been widely distributed. The company has yet to detail the update in the change log while accessing what appears to be required for enabling a Workspace account. First impressions are quite positive as Google now offers a complete application for Drive users.

In terms of its expected launch, Google previously noted the following:

It announces when Drive for desktop is ready for Backup and Sync users. We’ll share more details later this year on how Backup & Sync users can get started using Drive for desktop. We will provide 3 months’ notice to Google Workspace administrators and end users prior to the deadline for the transition to Drive for desktop. The transition will be self-service for end users.

Thanks Antonio!

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