Google’s storage-management app gets face-lift, is now called ‘Files by Google’

By Brenda Stolyar Updated November 8, 2018

Google

For months now, a variety of Google services have been receiving the all-white material redesign. Next up on the list? Files Go, Google’s file management app. But in addition to the redesign, the app also received a name change — it’s now known as Files by Google.

Launched last December, Files by Google makes it easier for users to free up space on their device, find files, and share them with others even if they’re offline. It breaks down how many gigabytes are being used on the device out of the amount available and also neatly filters your content based on category. The more you use Files by Google, the smarter it gets by suggesting tips to help free up space.

Recommended Videos

While Files was originally meant for Android Go devices, Google shared that it has grown to more than 30 million monthly users in under a year across different types of smartphones. Even those with a 4G connection and high-end phones (with tons of storage) have been using the app to manage and organize their content.

It’s also not to be confused with Apple’s Files app which launched alongside iOS 11 last year. Similar to Files by Google, Apple’s app essentially keeps all your documents together and organized on your iPhone and iPad. You can search for files through third-party storage providers as well, and it also syncs across all your iOS devices so you can pick up on your Mac where you left off on your iPad.

The redesigned version of Google’s Files offers the same functionality, but with a cleaner look. As with past redesigns, the app has been stripped of its bright colors and cartoon-like graphics for the all-white and blue design found on apps like Google News and Google Fit. The new look is intended to keep content on your smartphone as the main focus, without unnecessary distractions.

At the bottom, Files is now separated into three different tabs — Clean, Browse, and Share. When opening the app, you’re greeted with the Clean tab which lists how many gigabytes you’ve used and how many you have left. Below that, you will see any duplicate files you can delete, unused apps you can erase, and more. Under Browse, you can access all of your files that are organized by category and you can tap on Share to transfer files offline.

Files is currently available for download via the Google Play Store.

Updated November 8, 2018: Google redesigns Files Go app, now known as Files by Google.

Former Staff Writer, Mobile

Brenda became obsessed with technology after receiving her first Dell computer from her grandpa in the second grade. While…

Topics

Phones

Samsung’s next tracker may look better while becoming harder to actually attach

Samsung may redesign the SmartTag right into an AirTag annoyance

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 in Black and White variants

Samsung appears ready to redesign its Galaxy SmartTag again. This time, the makeover could come at the expense of one of the SmartTag 2’s most practical advantages. SamMobile's latest report has shared the supposed design of the upcoming Galaxy SmartTag 3.

The smart tracker can be seen with a compact squircle-shaped body that resembles Samsung's recent One UI icons and the shape used around newer Galaxy Watch displays. In comparison, the current SmartTag 2 looks a lot different, with a longer pill-shaped body dominated by a big integrated loop at one end. The leaked SmartTag 3 diagram does away with that loop entirely.

Phones

Tecno shows off a bezel-less concept phone that looks achingly breathtaking

Tecno's bezel-free phone could be revealed at IFA 2026 in September.

Tecno camon bezel free concept phone.

Say what you will about bezel-less phones, how bad they are for typing, and how they are a glorified ergonomics nightmare, but you can't deny their charm. For over a decade, smartphone makers have made numerous attempts to reduce or eliminate those black borders. The likes of Vivo went with a sloping screen, while others like the ill-fated Essential and Xiaomi just kept trimming the sides. Apple and Samsung followed in their footsteps, but neither of them has tried anything too audacious lately.

Tecno, it seems, wants to go bezel-less without any tricks. The brand just released a short teaser video showing its "next-gen bezelless concept phone." It's a concept phone, so keep that designation in mind. The brand hasn't said when this phone will be officially showcased, or launched, but IFA 2026 is our best bet. As for the device itself, it just looks stunning, and rumors also suggest that the bezel race will be white hot in 2027.

Computing

Shopping for back-to-school? I’d recommend these GaN chargers for saving space and packing more power

From a $9 spare to a $56 desk hub, these chargers cut down on cable clutter so that you can focus on your studies, not how cluttered your desk looks.

Best GaN chargers in 2026 for back to school shopping.

Between a phone, a laptop, a tablet, and perhaps a pair of wireless earbuds that require charging every day or every few days, most students are packing multiple chargers for move-in day. Those big, heavy bricks take up valuable backpack space that could otherwise be free for carrying more items.

However, GaN chargers fix that problem in two ways. First, they deliver the same amount of power from a much smaller body, thanks to gallium nitride transistors. Furthermore, if you're willing to spend a little more upfront, you can get a high-capacity, multi-device charger capable of powering your entire digital ecosystem from a single wall outlet, something that could be very useful for a dorm room.