SkyDrive for Android Reviewed: Simple, Basic and Missing Cloud Editing

First impressions

The app reloaded thumbnails each time it opened, which the writer found mildly useless and worried about data use. The main screen let you change views, upload (with the camera folder placed at the top) or create a folder.

Storage

The settings screen reminded the writer that an old 25 GB account had been cut to a 7 GB plan. Because the account had been unused for a long time, the option to reclaim the free upgrade was not offered.

Working with files

• Tapping a file offered sharing (which downloads a local copy and attaches it), copying the public link, or downloading.
• Changes made to a downloaded file are saved only locally. They are not saved back to the cloud as other apps do, and re-uploading misses the point of cloud storage.

There was little else in the settings. The writer noted that this was the first release, and that Google Docs, later Drive, also started basic.

Wish list

For a second version the writer wanted auto-upload and sync of files and folders, editing in the cloud, and bonus space for recommendations. The writer also hoped the design would carry over to the mail app.

Comparison

After checking upgrade pricing, SkyDrive had the best cost for additional space among the services compared. In the writer’s comparison chart it ranked second for free space and second for extra storage cost.