Dropbox update for iOS 8 introduces notification centre widget

Dropbox logo

Dropbox has been updated for iOS 8, taking advantage of the operating system's new support for widgets and bringing with it many other improved features and new options.

The app now has a widget for the Notification Centre, reports TechCrunch, which displays an overview of activity and files for the user's account, making it easier to quickly review what has been uploaded or recently updated to the cloud storage application.

The files will be displayed in columns sorted by their role, such as one column for personal files and another for files associated with work or business, and this display can be altered and customised by the user for the best possible navigation style.

Users can also launch the full app from the notification centre widget.

Shared folders can now also be created via the app, allowing users to efficiently share files between friends or colleagues straight from their device. The level of access these people get can be managed by the folder's original user, and those using Dropbox Business Pro can set read-only permissions.

Files from other apps can also be imported and exported with iOS 8's introduction of support for Storage Provider App Extensions. In short, this means that users can both access Dropbox files from other apps and access files from other apps through Dropbox.

Shortly after iOS 8 was released, it was reported the operating system was having compatibility issues with Dropbox, leading to duplicate photo uploads being recognised as new files and even frequent, unexplained crashes experienced by some users.

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.