Staying organized on Android is straightforward, thanks to theslew of file management appswhich get right down to business. Several custom ROMs have their own file managers integrated, but Google’s Files app is among our favorites for several reasons. For one, the app ties in nicely with other Google apps, especially noticeable on Pixel phones, and it also receives regular updates. The latest one gets rid of hte tabs in the bottom bar, and it’s not as bad as it sounds.
Gmail efficiently uses its bottom bar to let you switch between emails and Google Chat, and the bottom bar is visible on many other Google apps too. In recent versions of the Files app, theBrowsetab opens up by default, flanked by theCleantab on the left, andNearby Shareon the right in the bottom bar. However, a post in theGoogle News group on Telegramreveals many updates in the latest app update delivered through the Play Store.
Google’s Quick Share update makes sharing files even easier than before
A long-awaited upgrade to Google’s sharing service is finally rolling out
Upon installing the latest stable build (version 1.2424.602139702.0), we first see aggressive half-screen banners cautioning us that Nearby Share will soonbecome Quick Share, a change first announced at the Galaxy S24 series debut where Google and Samsung announced collaborations on many features such asCircle to SearchandAI wallpapers for the new S24 series. The message in the Files app also encourages you to use Nearby Share from the share sheet when sending files, and to use the device settings to define who can share files with you.
The new Files by Google app design eliminates the bottom navigation bar
Additionally, Google has tucked theCleanoption into the left-hand sidebar, accessible by tapping the hamburger menu in the upper left corner of the screen. With bothCleanandNearby Sharegone, there’s no need for a bottom bar. Google now uses what used to be theBrowsetab as the default view when you open Files.
This change frees up more vertical screen space you could use when sifting through content in a list or grid view. Even theCleanoption’s new placement makes sense because it’s now closer to other options likeBin, used to free up device storage. Since Nearby Share, ahem, Quick Share is in the share sheet when you’re trying to send content, having a tab dedicated to it in the Files app seemed like a waste of space.
This new design is rolling out already, so you should see it after installing the latest update from the Play Store. If there are no pending updates for Google Files, we suggestturning automatic updates on, so you don’t need to check manually every time.
