Google Drive speeds up video playback, improves mobile search

Google is 'enabling Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) video creation and transcoding for all new videos uploaded' to Drive. This will allow adaptive bitrate playback that takes into account the user's network quality to adjust the resolution when playing video.

As a result, the video will start faster when you click the play button, and you may notice more lag in the video 'during normal playback as well as during playback at higher speeds'.

The Google Drive player looks a lot like YouTube, but it's never been as fast. DASH is rolling out new videos uploaded to Drive, while Google plans to update existing clips 'later this year' to take advantage.

Meanwhile, Google Drive mobile apps will benefit from more search options. Today, you will receive a carousel that combines file types and date filters. That is changing to a drop-down menu and will include People:

1. Simplify the way you access query filters by introducing filter categories that are accessible directly below the search bar and include filters for File Type, Owners, and Last modified.
2. Shows you relevant query filters as you type your query, allowing you to easily select filters and saving you the time and effort of entering an entire search.
3. Adds options to further refine your search after visiting the search results page.

This feature is already available on iOS and coming soon to Android.

Lesley Montoya

Update 04 March 2024