Files by Google isn’t one of those popular Google apps that come pre-installed with almost every Android phone, and it isn’t part of the Play Store’s 10 billion downloads club, either. However, that’s not to say that it’s one of the worst-performing Google apps in terms of numbers, as Files by Google crossed the five billion downloads mark on the Play Store earlier this year. And now with a larger user base, the Mountain View tech giant is planning major upgrades to the app.
A couple of months ago, the company was spotted working on a redesign of its file management app to align its appearance with Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive. While those changes are yet to go live for everyone, Google has one more task at hand: improving the app’s search capability. And thanks to Android Authority‘s APK teardown of Files by Google v1.8122 beta, we already know some of those enhancements it’s working on.
Files by Google may soon let you filter search results faster
As things stand right now, if you want to filter search results in the Files app, you need to tap the Category option at the top of the main screen. This, in turn, will allow you to choose what file type you want the result to display. Google’s plan is to make this simpler by getting rid of that “Category” filter and introducing those categories of files directly on the main screen.
Image source: Android Authority
Since there are various categories of files, you may have to swipe left or right to select what you’re looking for, depending on the size of your screen. Even if you do have to swipe, it’s certainly easier and faster than tapping “Category” and then selecting the type.
The feature seems to be in the early stages of development, but folks over at Android Authority have managed to make it work. And based on the screenshots they shared, those filtering options at the top of the app’s main screen make the interface look a bit more cluttered compared to the current UI. Everything else sounds like solid improvements.
Moreover, as per the APK teardown, the company wants to introduce a new filter option that will let users choose whether to display files from internal or external storage. In addition, it’s also working on a new “Other” category, tapping which will show files that aren’t Images, Videos, Audio, or Documents. So, if you store APKs on your phone, you’ll be able to quickly find the right one using the new feature.
All of this will be possible only if Google rolls out these changes in future updates. But for now, there is no clarity as to when, or if, they will be available for general users. Given all the exciting features Google has in store for its file management app, it’s perhaps the best time to give it a try if you haven’t already.
