The Files by Google app on Android has introduced a major update to its "Recents" feature, designed to make accessing your most recent files quicker and more convenient.
Old "Recents" Layout: A Bit of a Hassle
Previously, the "Recents" section displayed folders like Camera, Screenshots, and Downloads. Each folder had a 2x2 grid showing a small preview of its contents. To find a specific file, you had to tap on a folder and then search through it to locate the file you wanted. While this was functional, it wasn't the most efficient method.
New "Recents" Carousel: Quick and Easy Access
With the latest beta version of Files by Google, the "Recents" feature has been revamped into a carousel of rectangular cards. Each card shows a preview of an individual file, such as images or documents, right on the main screen. This means you can see and access your recent files directly without having to navigate through multiple folders.
Key Features of the New Carousel
Direct File Preview: Each card in the carousel displays the file's name and extension at the bottom.
Quick Actions: A three-dot menu on each card lets you quickly share, delete, or star the file.
Convenient Browsing: The carousel shows 10 items at a time. For more files, you can tap "See all" in the top-right corner, which takes you to a new "Recent" tabs view that organizes files by their respective folders.
Similar to Google Photos' Memories
This new carousel design is similar to the one used by Google Photos for its Memories feature. It focuses on speed and convenience, allowing users to access recent files directly from the carousel without the need to delve into folders first.
Availability and Transition
This update is available in the latest beta version 1.4374.x of Files by Google. After updating to this version, it may take a moment for the new view to populate.
A Significant Improvement
This change represents a significant improvement in the user experience for Files by Google. It makes it more efficient and user-friendly for users to access their recent files. Regular users of the app, who haven't seen any significant UI changes in a while, will likely welcome this update.