Google is working on a new data management app called “Files Go.” And the files sure go (away) after they have been identified by the app as wasteful and clogging up your device’s previous data storage.
The app is in beta phase and has not yet been released publicly. It looks somewhat cute, and the UI isn’t bad, but somehow the branding and the design doesn’t feel like it belongs to the Google solution ecosystem. And yet, it works just fine and does its job.
What does Google Files Go do?
Judging the app, based on the currently working features, it’s not trying to be a file manager in a traditional meaning. Once you installed the app, it will run a rapid scan on your smartphone to check on available data storage and files that you might not need (anymore).
It offers you cards to do cleaning jobs quickly or check into details if you’re not sure whether or not you’d like to delete the files that are identified by the software as wasteful. It gives you the features to quickly clear app cache, identify apps that you haven’t used in a while, large bulky files, duplicate files, and more.
Light file explorer and sharing files
Next to the storage clean-up features, the Google Files Go app also gives you the option to browse your storage. You will not navigate in data path and directory, but you can browse categories such as images, videos, audio, documents, and others. Drilling down into one such group you can either browse such file types across the whole phone or check into app related folders, in case you already know what you’re looking for.
There is also a function to send data to others via Wi-Fi Direct connection. One of the users will tap the send button, and the other user will tap the receive button to establish a direct link between the devices. The advantage of that is that you don’t need the Internet to send files, in case you’re handling critical data. Also, depending on your available bandwidth, you might be able to send large files much faster than via Internet or Bluetooth like this.
Summary and download
It’s an interesting solution that could be very useful once its development has been completed. It already works, but there are still some elements to improve. It’s not officially available on the Google Play Store yet in public, but you can download the APK file from a third-party and install it on your own responsibility if you’d like to test it out.
As of now, this is only available for Android OS, but once it’s publicly released, there might also be an iOS version to it, in case Apple allows them to drive a rival to their AirDrop service.
YouTube: Google Files Go Hands-On + Download
Photo credit: Maurizio Pesce
