Box Revamps Android App, Offers 50GB Free Storage To LG Users

Box has released a major update for its Android application, featuring an overhauled interface and new management options, and has announced that owners of an LG G-series smartphones or tablets will receive 50GB of storage for one year for free.

The cloud storage firm says Box for Android 3.0 is one of the biggest updates it has rolled out since the app was first made available in 2010.

“Built for speed and simplicity, we believe the new Box for Android provides the best mobile productivity experience on any Android device,” said product manager of Mobile at Box.

Box Android

Many of the new features were included in the updated iOS application that went live in January, like the new document preview mode which can display more than 100 file types, including PowerPoint presentations. There’s full text search and files can also be displayed in a grid or as thumbnails. Scrolling through photos should be faster as well, as images are not rendered in high resolution while swiping.

Box claims it “scoured the app” and overhauled every screen to make it quicker to use, with swipe menus added and two new languages included, bringing the total number to 26.

The new app integrates OneCloud apps such as the Hall business messaging service and Documents to Go, which lets users load and save files directly from Box. A fully integrated OneCloud app gallery informs users which apps are compatible with which files when they are previewed.

Administrators will be pleased with the extension of MobileIron AppConnect support that lets them deploy Box straight to employee devices with policy controls such as passcode locks and app restrictions.

LG deal

While there is no repeat of the 50GB of free storage for life offered to iOS users who downloaded the refreshed version of the application for iPad and iPhone earlier this year, anyone who purchases a selected LG device will receive the same amount of space for one year. The offer is applicable to the US, Western Europe and LG’s native South Korea.

Last week, Box opened its new Japanese headquarters in Tokyo and released a localised product in the country as part of its ongoing international expansion that has seen it set up shop in London as well.

The company is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) later this year but there is speculation that the floatation could be delayed.  Box is hoping to raise £181 million in the process as it seeks to convert its free users into paying subscribers.

It received a huge boost earlier this month, with the news that General Electric plans to deploy the platform to its 300,000 employees to use for internal and external collaboration.

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