Google joins 'cloud' data storage trend
Google on Tuesday launched a long-anticipated "Drive" service that lets people store photos, videos, and other digital files in the Internet "cloud."
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"We have only shared it with a few developers so far," Pichai said. "Over time, we want Drive to be thought of as a place where you can create anything and collaborate with anyone; and the devices or apps are up to you."
Talk about creating a Google Drive started about five years ago.
The booming trend of smartphones or tablets being at the center of mobile lifestyles and the growing popularity of services like Gmail or YouTube hosted in the Internet cloud made the time ripe for Google Drive, executives said.
"This is a natural progression," Pichai said."We are moving to a post-PC (personal computer) era where this is the cloud at work. Pretty soon you will be able to open a file from anywhere in Google Drive."
Google Drive will also be built into a new generation of Chrome laptop computers.
A version of Google Drive geared for businesses will have a different pricing structure and offer 24-hours technical support.
Google's new service will enter an arena with Microsoft's SkyDrive, Apple's iCloud online data repository for users of its devices, and popular Web-based file hosting service startups such as Dropbox and SugarSync.
More information: Google blog post:
(c) 2012 AFP