Google Drive for Android may soon get a feature that’s already available on iOS
Google Drive is developing a new feature for Android devices that is speculated to add a layer of security while accessing the app, a report said. It is said to have been discovered during an APK teardown of the app on the Android platform. The feature, called Privacy Screen, has been available in the iOS version of the cloud storage app since 2020 and is now reportedly finally making its way to its Android counterpart.
Privacy screen on Google Drive for Android
In one reportAndroid Authority has detailed the alleged Privacy Screen feature, which is reportedly in development. Code string references to the feature were reportedly discovered after an APK uninstall of the Google Drive for Android app version 2-24-467-3. It is speculated that it works similarly to its iOS counterpart, requiring authentication before the user can access the app.
One of the code strings contains the following text:
When the Privacy Screen is enabled, you will be asked to verify that it is you when you open this app.
However, there are some caveats that are consistent with the iOS version of the app. The code references suggest that the shared data may still be available through the Internet browser of other apps despite the activation. Additionally, the Privacy Screen feature may not protect notifications and other system functionality.
Privacy screen feature in Google Drive for iOS
This feature on Google Drive for iOS has several other limitations when it comes to security, such as files shared with the Files app, photos shared with the Photos app, certain Siri functionality, and whether the app is uninstalled.
Other new features
Google recently introduced an improved Drive file chooser for Android devices. According to the company, users can more easily access recently viewed items on Google Drive. Plus, they can quickly view items shared in Drives, My Drive, and other storage locations.
The above update has already been rolled out to Rapid Release domains and will be launched to Scheduled Release domains from December 2.
