Almost a year after it was released, Files Go, Google’s app for preserving device space, has been rebranded as Files. In addition, the icon has been altered slightly to remove the Go reference and the user experience has also been modified to put device content front and centre. Additionally, when you delete content from your phone, the app will tell you how much you"ve saved and what that space could be used for - the suggestions change depending upon how much you save.
Google created Files with the Next Billion Users in mind. It aimed to help users save space on low storage mobile devices, and let them transfer files offline, keeping costs down. After almost a year of analysing usage, Google has found that it has attracted people from all around the world, even those with flagship smartphones on 4G data connections.
Describing the reach of the app, Koji Pereira, UX Lead, Next Billion Users, said:
“In less than a year, Files Go has grown tremendously to serve over 30 million monthly users. We’ve noticed that people across the globe are using it, no matter what type of mobile phone they have or how fast their internet connection is.”
At the time of writing, the Google Play Store still lists the app as Files Go and carries the old icon but once you’ve installed the application it’ll be listed as Files, have the updated icon, and have an updated user interface which better matches the new material design. The new name and icon should be visible from the Play Store soon.