iOS App of the Day: Dropbox
Apple’s iCloud service is undoubtedly a fantastic way to store and back up your device data, personal contact information, and compatible files. However, the iCloud service can often fall short if you want to store files only online, or if you want to access and edit your files from other platforms outside of what Apple provides. The iCloud also isn’t enough if you want to access previous versions of files or edit from other platforms.
If you are looking for more flexibility when it comes to a cloud storage solution, the Dropbox app for iOS has you covered. Dropbox can easily access multiple platforms and has an extremely easy to use interface. With a free basic service and referral program Dropbox allows you to obtain adequate storage space with minimal effort on your part. Let’s take a closer look at the app below.
Pros:
- Easily save documents, photos and videos to your Dropbox
- Share your photos and docs with family and friends
- Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox
- Add files to “Favorites” for fast, offline viewing
- Free basic service, reasonably priced plans for premium account services
- Online access and support via Dropbox.com
- Referral program allows you to add free extra space
- Save images and video from Dropbox directly to your device
- Easy file sharing directly from app
- Strong iOS app support
- Online storage is open to connectivity issues
- Basic service with free 2GB of storage might not be enough for most users, additional storage costs $
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, your iPhone and iPad and the Dropbox website. With the Dropbox app for iOS you can take everything that you care about with you on the go.
After you download the app you will either have to log in using your existing Dropbox account or you can quickly create an account if you are new to Dropbox. I find it easier to set up your Dropbox account on your home computer or laptop and then access the iOS app from your mobile device after you’ve set up your account. Once you open the app you will see an alphabetical list of all the files and folders you have stored within Dropbox. Native to iOS, just swipe up or down to browse through files or you can tap any letter on the right hand side to jump to a file beginning with that letter. This works in the same fashion that you would browse your iOS contacts from your address book.
After you’ve selected a file name you can tap on the file to view it from your device. If it is an image file with multiple images the app will display a gallery button for you tap on and browse through the thumbnail versions. Dropbox will also let you know if you have another app on your device that can provide additional services with a particular file. You will see the app listed under the action button with an option to take you there.
Sharing is made easy with the Dropbox app by using a simple tap you will see the option (depending on file type) to either email link, copy to clipboard, or copy an image to clipboard. You can also add a copy of the file to the clipboard or use the Favorites feature to save a copy so for offline access.
Conclusion:
Dropbox is available for free in the iTunes Store. Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.1 or later iTunes Link
This is part of our iOS App of the Day series. We take our favorite app for iOS for each day and post it here for you to check out. Feel free to check out all of our App of the Day posts here.
