Dropbox, Inc. has unveiled a new integrated workspace, marking the biggest user-facing change in the company's history.
With updates to the Dropbox desktop experience, dropbox.com, and the mobile app, users get a single workspace designed to bring files, fragmented work tools, and teams together. The update includes early access to a new desktop app designed to provide a convenient new access point to the workspace.
Drew Houston, CEO, Dropbox said, "work has become scattered—files are spread across devices, in the cloud, and on our hard drives. We're working across multiple apps that don't talk to each other, and teams are struggling to keep up. We're focused on removing the friction from that experience, pulling everything together in a way that nobody has done before. The new Dropbox helps you quiet the noise and find focus at work.”
The new Dropbox brings web-based files into the Dropbox file system to provide one central location for all content, including:
- Cloud-based content like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, which users can now create, access, and share within Dropbox. Users can also open Microsoft Office files in Office Online or Google Docs.
- Shortcuts to web content with links to productivity tools like Trello boards, wiki pages, and news articles. Users can now create and store web shortcuts alongside traditional content in Dropbox.
- Start Slack conversations and send files to Slack channels directly from Dropbox, and easily share Dropbox files within Slack conversations
- Join or add Zoom Meetings directly from Dropbox, and present files directly from Dropbox in Zoom.
- See Slack and Zoom sharing activities right next to your files in Dropbox.
The Dropbox icon that sits in the Windows system tray and macOS menu bar has been updated to make it easier for users to keep track of what's happening with shared content, quickly access their most important work, and create new content right from Dropbox. Users can also now access a team activity feed for updates on shared files.
The company has also formed a strategic partnership with Atlassian. In the coming months, the companies will build deep integrations across Dropbox and Atlassian's platforms to create a better way for teams to organize, co-ordinate and run projects.
Available via early access with the new desktop app, folders now have improved capabilities across desktop, mobile, and web, providing a rich workspace for teams. Users can:
- Pin files to the top of a folder to give anyone with access to the folder quick access to important content.
- Add folder descriptions to give everyone context on the files they see.
- Create to-dos at the top of a folder.
- @mention teammates to draw attention to folder descriptions or to-dos.
- Get updates on file activity, including content shared in Slack and Zoom from any device.
- See who's viewed files with the viewer info feature now available on desktop.
- Comment on shared content across desktop, mobile, and web.
All Dropbox users can opt into the new desktop app through the Dropbox early access program, and admins can opt their teams in via the admin console. All other features are now generally available to all users and will be rolling out over the next few weeks.
