Dropbox finally optimizes app for M1 computers

The update was a long time coming, but it's finally here. Dropbox has released version 143.4.4161 of its app to support the Apple Silicon platform, which is the basis of the M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max chips. The company says its users don't have to do anything from their end. The update will arrive automatically to their apps. 

When an app runs natively on Apple Silicon, it allows them to take full advantage of the M1 chip and its variants. If you're a MacBook user, it uses less power, resulting in longer battery life for your laptops.

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Oculus Quest to get Slack, Dropbox as Progressive Web Apps

Facebook Reality Labs

This isn't the first time 2D apps have surfaced on the Oculus Quest virtual reality platform. But Facebook is planning to bring more third-party 2D apps to the VR platform via the Progressive Web App (PWA) framework. The aim is to give more work tools for its VR users. The plan starts with Facebook, Instagram, collaboration app Smartsheet, and email client Spike. But then Facebook will add access to Dropbox, Slack, and more in the future.

The PWA-based framework allows developers to bring their apps to VR without creating fully custom versions. But there is still a need to go through Oculus' developer channels to get their apps on the platform. As The Verge noted, this update marks a larger-scale rollout of non-VR apps inside the headset.

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Dropbox now automatically backs up system folders

Graphic courtesy of Dropbox

Dropbox is trying to make it easier for you to work at home or wherever you might be. One new feature, which is available for all Dropbox users, automatically backs up your PC or Mac files in dedicated system folders. The tool allows you to access your files on-the-go or at least give you a backup if your hardware goes on the fritz.

Before Dropbox launched this long-overdue function, you needed to allocate files to dedicated folders. Now, it'll back up entire folders and even sync connected devices (like external hard drives) as long as these are connected to your computer when you set up the backup process.

Source: Engadget

Dropbox tests Google Docs integration in its app

Dropbox and Google have partnered to help make their products work better together. Now, we’re seeing one of the results of this partnership. Dropbox Business customers can be part of an open beta program that will let them edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides right from Dropbox app. It works similar to the Microsoft Office/Dropbox integration where you can create new Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files right from within Dropbox. The interface will be the same as what you get if you use Google, but if you want to stay within Dropbox, this lets you do so. It can help with collaboration, or at least, give Dropbox users more options to create or edit files in its service.

The integration also has these files showing up on your PC or Mac if you have the Dropbox app installed. It’ll also let you search for files without being limited to file name. You can search in the text. And, if you prefer, you can open Microsoft Office files in Google’s tools. The edits will be synced to the original file and the document type will be preserved so you can still choose to open it in Office if you want to. Dropbox’s native sharing tools are also available for Google Docs. So, when you click the share button in a Google file saved in Dropbox, you have the option to share two links. One grants edit access and the other just read only. You can also protect files to just be viewable within your organization. The feature will be coming to other Dropbox users later this year.

Source: Engadget