Microsoft revamps SkyDrive, launches native apps for Windows, Mac

While we are waiting for Google to officially launch its cloud storage service Drive, Microsoft has announced the revamp of its cloud service - SkyDrive. Company has introduced new SkyDrive applications for Windows and Mac, which will join the already existing Windows Phone, and iOS apps.

Company has also revealed new paid storage options for the SkyDrive users; however it has decreased the space in free service from 25GB to 7GB. The paid plans of +20GB, +50GB, and +100GB can be added at $10/year, $25/year, $50/year respectively. The existing users will still be able to enjoy free 25 GB of SkyDrive space.

SkyDrive for Windows, Mac
The brand new Dropbox-like Windows client of SkyDrive brings direct integration of the service with Windows Explorer, thus allowing you to simply drag-and-drop files to and from SkyDrive, just like any other folder. It also includes a nifty feature called "fetch" that lets you to remotely access files or stream videos from a connected PC. This feature is great if you forgot something on your home PC and need to get it or just copy it quickly to SkyDrive.

Similar to the Windows client, the Mac version of the SkyDrive app includes integration with Finder that lets users easily organize files and folders in SkyDrive.

SkyDrive for Windows Phone and other devices
In addition to the web-based SkyDrive.com, Microsoft also has native apps for Windows Phone and iOS. Both the apps have now been updated to include support for delete, rename, and move files as well as sharing options for all files and folders.

The iOS app update also brings support for all iPads as well as the Retina display in the new iPad. Other improvements include ability to see your remaining storage space, landscape support, and various performance enhancements.

This revamp will take Microsoft in the big league of cloud service providers and it should emerge as the real competitor to Google's upcoming Drive service.