14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced the release of a new OneDrive API that basically opens the door to all developers who want to add support for Redmond's cloud-based storage service in their own apps.
The company says in an announcement today that OneDrive can thus be integrated in basically any app out there available on major platforms, such as Windows, iOS and Android.
The OneDrive platform thus expands to more platforms than just Windows, and although dedicated clients were already available on Android and iOS, the new API would clearly boost its popularity on devices running these rival OSes.
Microsoft says that the new OneDrive API was specifically created to provide better speed and functionality, so developers can implement customizable file thumbnails for improved experience in terms of looks and functionality, resumable uploads of files of up to 10 GB, and the ability to retrieve changes for files and folders.
Redmond has also added that the new OneDrive API is currently being used for all its apps and it expects developers to adopt it too very soon. Updates will ensure that everyone benefits from the same feature package, and “whenever we have access to new functionality, so will you.”
OneDrive as a platform
OneDrive is no longer just a cloud-based storage service, and since it officially dropped the SkyDrive name, Microsoft has continuously been looking for ways to make it available to more people, no matter the platform.
OneDrive is now integrated into Windows and will be a key part of Windows 10, while also providing easy access to content stored in the cloud from Windows Phone, iOS, and Android devices. OneDrive is also an important feature of Office 365 and allows users to store documents in the cloud, while also being available via Office 2013 for the same purpose.
Basically, Microsoft wants to make OneDrive available everywhere, no matter if you are a Windows customer or not. This, coupled with offers that make more space available free of charge, turns OneDrive into one of the best cloud storage services out there and that could really help Microsoft become the devices and services firm it has always hoped to be.