Google rolled out a major update for iOS users allowing them to save and insert attachments from Google Drive.
Google, the world's biggest provider of internet search and email services, is improving its iOS version of the Gmail app with a host of new features. Of most significance is the "save to drive" and "Insert from Drive" options that enable seamless document management while on-the-go. The update also allows iPhone and iPad users to instantly update profile photos on the email client without necessarily logging into the computer.
The Google Drive support for the iOS version of the Gmail app makes it easy for users to share documents and access them anytime, anywhere. Once updated, users can tap the paper clip icon to attach a new file and select "Insert from Drive." It will then open a new window where all the documents are stored with Google's cloud service. Select the document and tap the arrow on the top right hand corner to attach the file. Google demonstrated the easy steps in a GIF on the company's official blog post.
"The apps will even tell you if your file isn't shared with the person you're sending it to so you can change the sharing settings before you send it," Simon Forsyth, a software engineer for Google, wrote in the company's official blog post.
On the receiving end, Gmail users on Apple devices can save attachments to the Drive directly by tapping the three dots on the right side and selecting "Save to Drive." Users can then access the saved document from any device.
Google updated its Android app with the ability to save attachments to Drive in May but it added "Insert from Drive" option earlier this month. The update to iOS app makes Gmail equivalent to web and mobile versions in terms of features.
Gmail users can also change their profile picture going into the Settings. The option was not available for iPhone users until now, which required PC access for the same. Google also said users with multiple Gmail accounts can select any one signed-in account that will be displayed in the app.
The updated iOS Gmail app is available for download from iTunes. Android smartphone and tablet users can get the app from Google Play Store for free.
