Google Drive? Really?

When it comes to cloud storage or file sync services, Dropbox has always been my preferred choice. With Dropbox installed across all my computers and Android phone, I can easily keep important files and folders synced and access them whenever I need them. From any computer, that is.

Google Docs, on the other hand, remains my preferred program for creating office documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. I don’t use Microsoft office anymore because there is no convenient way to access my documents, files and PDF’s from a web based interface. What I have always wanted is a cloud storage service from Google that can sync any file from my computer, not just office documents, photos or Excel spreadsheets. A single placeholder for documents, email, photos, files and everything. Only one basket!

It looks like this wish is soon going to turn into a reality.

According to several reports, Google is all set to launch its own cloud based file sync service, code named Google Drive. Google Drive is expected to function just like other file sync services e.g Dropbox, Sugarsync, Box.net but several sources are speculating that the free storage space of Google Drive will be much higher(close to 10-12 GB); though not as large as Windows live Skydrive, which provides a hefty 25GB free space to every Live Skydrive account.

Here is a recent screenshot which provides some glimpse into Google Drive’s web based interface:

Possible observations from the above screenshot:

1. Google Drive looks like an exact copy of Google Docs’s web interface. It appears that only the logo has been changed from “Docs” to “Drive” and everything else is kept intact. The “Documents” link in the top menu bar has been replaced by “Drive” which hints that Google Docs might get renamed into Google Drive, after getting some added enhancements. Google Docs already supports uploads of any file type, including videos up to 1GB in size.

2. Similar to Dropbox, a desktop client of the so called “Google Drive” is expected – see the install Google Drive link on the left sidebar. It is highly unlikely that file sync will be performed via a Chrome extension or a browser add-in.

3. Similar to Google Docs, users will be able to share files and folders with other Google Drive users. Quick access to important files will be available via “starred” and “recently opened” menu.

I am not very sure whether the above screenshot is true or a mimicked one (look carefully, you will notice inconsistencies in the PDF icons). It is interesting to note that reports of Google Drive’s launch are quite old, and dates back to 2009.

Here is another screenshot by Brian, which sort of affirms the imminent launch of Google drive, as he predicted three years ago

This screenshot looks a little more legit than the previous one, the top links are +Brian and Gmail while in the previous one it is only “Mail” (+You is missing). Contrary to this, the link beta.drive.google.com logs you in your Google Docs account and redirects endlessly.

Something is up!