Microsoft debuts OneDrive worldwide, with free cloud storage

Now, it's official: Microsoft has globally rebranded its cloud storage service to OneDrive, and is offering storage space to Microsoft, iOS and Android users.

 

Corporate vice president for Windows Services Chris Jones said users of Microsoft SkyDrive have nothing to worry about as they need only head to Onedrive.com and log in.

 

"For those of you hearing about the service for the first time, OneDrive gives you one place for all of your files, including photos, videos, and documents, and it’s available across the devices you use every day," he said in a blog post.

 

Jones said Microsoft's goal is "to make it as easy as possible for you to get all of your favorite stuff in one place—one place that is accessible via all of the devices you use every day, at home and at work."

 

OneDrive's capabilities include automatic camera backup for Android and the ability to share and view videos just as easily as photos.

 

Jones also said OneDrive offers users ways to earn more storage, on top of the free 7 GB they already have.

 

"Customers who refer friends can now receive up to 5 GB (in 500 MB increments) for each friend who accepts an invitation to OneDrive, and we’ll even give you 3 GB just for using the camera backup feature, since we want to help make sure you never lose another photo," Jones said.

 

Jones also said there is a new monthly payment plan for those who want more flexibility in storage.

 

Major devices, platforms

 

Jones said OneDrive is built into the latest versions of Windows, Windows Phone, Office, and Xbox.

 

"You can even make OneDrive your default storage option, so you never have to worry about whether you are saving files to the cloud: They are just there. If you happen to carry an iPhone or Android phone, or use an iPad, Android tablet, Windows device, or a Mac—OneDrive is available there, too," he said.

 

On the other hand, Jones said OneDrive has Start screen integration with Windows 8.1, and even Xbox slide shows.

 

"And with OneDrive, you can share photos or videos directly to Facebook or via email with one click. You can even record and share gameplay from your Xbox One," he added.

 

Jones also said OneDrive is built in to Office as the default save location, "so you can see the recent documents you were working on and pick up right where you left off, even if you switch devices."

 

He added OneDrive for Business allows companies to give their employees the ability to store, sync, and collaborate on files across multiple devices with ease, manageability, and security.

 

"Not only does OneDrive for Business deliver an intuitive experience for employees, allowing them to seamlessly collaborate on documents right from within Office, but it is also backed with enterprise-grade content management, compliance, and administrative controls. Stay tuned for more about OneDrive for Business at the upcoming SharePoint Conference," he said.

 

Launch promo

 

Jones said Microsoft will mark the launch of OneDrive by giving 100,000 people 100 GB of free storage for one year.

 

He said this is enough storage space for a photo of everyone on the planet.

 

Those who want to avail of this can "keep an eye on @OneDrive for clues."  — ELR, GMA News