Google recently launched a new feature for its Files app called Safe Folder. Basically, it’s a 4-digit PIN-encrypted folder that can be used to store very important documents, images, videos, and audio files, keeping them safe from being opened or accessed by others.
This feature will be initially available to more than 2 million users with the rollout gradually expanding to all of Files’ users over the next few weeks.
The folder won’t allow users to take screenshots or even screen recordings of its contents. It’s also locked as soon as users switch away from the app, and will require them to enter the PIN again on reentry.
Now with over 150 million users worldwide, Files was initially created for people with low phone storage, many of whom live in countries like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. Safe Folder has been built as people in these countries frequently share their devices with friends and family members.
Files continue to help people free up space, manage content, and share files. Since launch, the app has helped its users:
- Delete over 1 trillion files, which would take over 30,000 years if users were to clean a duplicate, old meme, or junk file manually every second.
- Save 400+ petabytes of space on people’s phones – that’s around 1,400 years of non-stop HD video recording.
- Free about 12GB of space every second – equivalent to 5,000 photos per second.
Files is available on the Google Play Store in 80 languages for all phones running Android 5 (Lollipop) and higher, while Safe Folder will be available for Android 8 and above.
But wait, there’s more! Here are 8 things to know about Files.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
