OneDrive: AI features and more storage space announced
Microsoft announces extensive innovations for OneDrive: Improved search function, colored folders and new storage plans are in the starting blocks. AI functions and a revised mobile app are also intended to enhance the cloud service.
OneDrive before major upgrade
Microsoft is planning extensive innovations to its cloud storage service OneDrive – after the big announcement for corporate users, there is now one Reference for end users. In the coming months, numerous new functions will be introduced for both business customers and private users. The focus is on improved user-friendliness and expanded storage options.
Improved search functionality and faster startup
One of the central innovations concerns the search function. According to Jason Moore, vice president of product for OneDrive, the new search technology promises “faster and more precise discoverability of files and folders.” Business customers can also look forward to reduced start times, which should be available to all commercial OneDrive users by the end of 2024.
New storage plans for private users
As Microsoft announces, a number of interesting innovations are now also planned for private users. Storage plans with 5 and 10 terabytes of cloud storage will be available in the future. However, prices and a specific start date for these new options are still pending. This expansion could make OneDrive more competitive with services like Google Drive, which has long offered larger storage plans.
OneDrive is visually enhanced by supporting colored folders in Windows File Explorer. Users who have already set up colorful folders in the web version can now also see them on the desktop. Extensive improvements to the document library are also planned for business customers by mid-2025, promising faster navigation, better reliability and more user-friendly filter options.
Redesigned mobile app with a focus on photo management
Microsoft pays particular attention to the mobile use of OneDrive. A completely revised app is intended to significantly improve photo management. Users can look forward to the following features:
- Intuitive navigation through albums and favorites
- Improved photo search with natural language support
- Simplified photo sharing feature
- Easier to import media from other cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox
The rollout of the Android version has already begun, iOS users will have to wait until November.
AI features for OneDrive
The AI trend doesn’t stop at OneDrive either. The AI-supported assistant Copilot is already available for commercial users. Additional AI functions will follow in the future, including:
- Personalized views that group files and photos by topic or collection
- Integration of Microsoft Designer for direct image editing in OneDrive
- AI-powered automatic photo categorization for private users
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