Android file manager supports USB drives Following the new update, moving files to thumb drive attached to phone becomes easier

■

Till recently, moving files directly to an USB drive from your phone was tricky task as there was no official means as such. One could use third party applications or link both to a computer were the only option.

However, now, Files by Google — formerly Files Go — will provide an official resolution.

Google, in its latest update to Files, introduces support for external storage using USB On- the- Go.

The feature, expectedly, will come in handy if you’re running short of storage space or don’t want your files to be tracked.

The update, also, lets one see the entire folder structures for storage both on and off the device. This structure is not only maintained on your Android device only but also goes down to the other physical device that you are trying to sync.

Simply put, Files is more of a viable alternative to existing managers if you regularly shuttle data back and forth.

After the release of the update, Google said, “Share your pictures, videos, documents or apps with others nearby who also have the app. With fast speed up to 480 Mbps, it’s fast, free and it works without the Internet, so it doesn’t cost mobile data. Just pair up your phone with anyone nearby who has the Files app.”

Also, Google has been redesigning the interface of its software across platforms. Google Phone App too will get a redesigned interface.

The Google Phone App for Android now gets circles in it. The Favorites tab of the default dialer app on Pixel phones had two contacts per row until now, while the other tabs had already switched to circles.

The latest update brings consistency between the tabs with circles, circles everywhere, and the contacts are now three in a row.