Google Drive gets file previews on the desktop; Android app adds video streaming

Google has introduced file previews in the Google Drive desktop app, and has released an updated version of its Google Drive app for Android bringing some new features and bug fixes.

Although Google has not disclosed specific details about the changes in the Android app that connects to its cloud storage service, it does mention that it will bring performance improvements and bug fixes across the app.

The app also introduces some new features including the ability to stream video files on Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) and higher. This means that users will be able to watch videos even before the file is completely downloaded.  The update also brings in pinch to zoom support in the presentation viewer. This will allow users on small screen devices to view presentations in a better manner.  

Meanwhile, Google has also introduced quick previews in the desktop version of the Google Drive app. Following the update, Google Drive will allow users to quickly preview more than 30 file types and quickly flip between files.

Users will be able to click on the side arrows to flip to other files, watch video files or scroll through multi-page documents within the preview window of the app. They'll also be able to select and copy text from the preview, including text from PDF documents, and perform certain actions on files including share, download, print or open files for editing, with a single click. The feature will gradually roll out to all users in the coming days.

Google Drive for Android Version 1.1.592.10 Change-log:
- Performance improvements across the whole app
- Support for streaming video files on Honeycomb+
- Pinch to Zoom support in presentation viewer
- Bug fixes and other improvements