Google tests Files Go file manager for Android
Files Go is an unreleased (at this point in time) file manager by Google for Android whose primary purpose is freeing up storage space on Android devices, and managing files.
The application appears as unlisted for most users on Google Play, but the APK file is available on APK Mirror so that anyone interested in Files Go can give it a try.
Please note that you need to enable the installation from unknown sources in the security settings on the Android device before you can install the APK.
Files Go requires no extra permissions when you install it. The app displays a tester's agreement on start however that you need to accept.
Updates: Files Go has been rebranded to Files by Google.
Files Go
Files Go has a cards-based design. The application displays storage tips at the top, and below that options to remove files, cache, media, apps and other items from the device.
The application highlights how much you can free up when you clear all items of a group, but gives you full control over the process.
A tap on the "free up" link displays all items of the group, and it is up to you to select none, some or all of the items for deletion.
The following item groups are supported by Files Go currently:
- App Cache
- WhatsApp media
- Downloaded files
- Duplicate files
- Junk media
The storage part of Files go supports other options. The application notifies you with alerts when the storage space is nearly full, when apps have not been used for at least 30 days, and when downloaded files or media files take up a lot of space on the device.
You may switch from storage to files at any time to browse available files on the Android device. Files Go is not a complete file manager that lets you browse any location; it displays popular folders, downloads, received files or videos, and gives you direct access to those only.
File lists can be sorted in various ways, and some sort all files into folders for better manageability. The images group of files lists screenshots, download, whatsapp, camera and pictures in separate groups next to the "all" listing.
You can open the files, delete them, or use share options. One interesting feature that Files Go comes with is the option to transfer files over Wi-Fi between devices. All that is required for that is that all devices are connected to the same wireless network. Files Go needs permissions to find friends and set a fast hotspot on the device for that to work though.
Update: Files Go Beta is now available on Google Play.
Closing Words
Files Go is a basic file manager. It is easy to use and provides users on Android with options to free up some disk space on the device, to browse certain folders, and to share files directly with others over Wi-Fi.
The application lacks what specialized applications offer, for instance the ability to browse all files, or to clean up other data.
It remains to be seen if Google will release the app in its form, or decide against it.
Now You: Do you use a different file manager / cleaner on Android?
Uhh, this has already been possible – I am not sure how but remember my brother telling me about it. I’m not a whatsapp user so not sure of the specifics, but something about sending the image as a file and somehow bypassing the default compression settings that are applied to inbound photos.
He has also used this to share movies to whatsapp groups, and files 1Gb+.
Like I said, I never used whatsapp, but I know 100% this isn’t a “brand new feature”, my brother literally showed me him doing it, like… 5 months ago?
Martin, what happened to those: 12 Comments (https://www.ghacks.net/chatgpt-gets-schooled-by-princeton-university/#comments). Is there a specific justifiable reason why they were deleted?
Hmm, it looks like the gHacks website database is faulty, and not populating threads with their relevant cosponsoring posts.
The page on ghacks this is on represents the best of why it has become so worthless, fill of click-bait junk that it’s about to be deleted from my ‘daily reads’.
It’s really like “Press Release as re-written by some d*ck for clicks…poorly.” And the subjects are laughable. Can’t wait for “How to search for files on Windows”.
> The page on ghacks this is on represents the best of why it has become so worthless, fill of click-bait junk…
Sadly, I have to agree.
Only Martin and Ashwin are worth subscribing to.
Especially Emre Çitak and Shaun are the worst ones.
If ghacks.net intended “Clickbait”, it would mark the end of Ghacks Technology News.
Ghacks doesn’t need crappy clickbaits. Clearly separate articles from newer authors (perhaps AIs and external sales person or external advertising man) as just “Advertisements”!
We, the subscribers of Ghacks, urge Martin to make a decision.
because nevermore wants to “monetize” on every aspect of human life…
“Threads” is like the Walmart of Social Media.
How hard can it be to clone a twitter version of that as well? They’re slow.
Yes, why not mention how large the HD files can be?
Why, not mention what version of WhatsApp is needed?
These omissions make the article feel so bare. If not complete.
Sorry posted on the wrong page.
such a long article for such a simple matter. Worthless article ! waste of time
I already do this by attaching them via the ‘Document’ option.
I don’t know what’s going on here at Ghacks but it’s obvious that something is broken, comments are being mixed whatever the article, I am unable to find some of my later posts neither. :S
Quoting the article,
“As users gain popularity, the value of their tokens may increase, allowing investors to reap rewards.”
Besides, beyond the thrill and privacy risks or not, the point is to know how you gain popularity, be it on social sites as everywhere in life. Is it by being authentic, by remaining faithful to ourselves or is it to have this particular skill which is to understand what a majority likes, just like politicians, those who’d deny to the maximum extent compatible with their ideological partnership, in order to grab as many of the voters they can?
I see the very concept of this Friend.tech as unhealthy, propagating what is already an increasing flaw : the quest for fame. I won’t be the only one to count himself out, definitely.
@John G. is right : my comment was posted on [https://www.ghacks.net/2023/08/23/what-is-friend-tech/] and it appears there but as well here at [https://www.ghacks.net/2023/07/08/how-to-follow-everyone-on-threads/]
This has been lasting for several days. Fix it or at least provide some explanations if you don’t mind.
> Google Chrome is following in Safari’s footsteps by introducing a new feature that allows users to move the Chrome address bar to the bottom of the screen, enhancing user accessibility and interaction.
Firefox did this long before Safari.
Basically they’ll do anything except fair royalties.