Google Drive set to launch next week

Google Drive

It looks as if cloud storage systems such as Dropbox, iCloud and SkyDrive are about to face a new rival, Google Drive, which is expected to launch next Tuesday.

Google currently offers 1GB of free storage versus 2GB for Dropbox, 5GB for Apple's iCloud and 25GB for Microsoft's SkyDrive.

But it seems Google listened as The Next Web is reporting that Google Drive will roll out as a free app for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS with 5GB free storage to start.

When you've filled that 5GB with all your digital content you'll be able to buy more storage from Google, although there's no word on pricing yet.

The leak from a mystery Google partner also points to Google Drive appearing as desktop folders on Windows PCs and Macs, possibly with auto-synced contents.

It might also be possible to edit documents within the Google Drive smartphone apps.

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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.