Microsoft looks ahead as OneDrive goes global

Microsoft has announced the global availability of OneDrive, advising existing SkyDrive customers that their files are ready in the new OneDrive experience.

According to Redmond, all you have to do is head over to www.OneDrive.com and log in.

But for those hearing about the service for the first time, OneDrive gives you one place for all of your files, including photos, videos, and documents, and it's available across the devices you use every day.

"When we announced the new name OneDrive, we noted how it is much more aligned with our vision for the future," says Chris Jones, Corporate Vice President, Windows Services, Microsoft.

"Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get all of your favourite stuff in one place—one place that is accessible via all of the devices you use every day, at home and at work.

"Because let's face it, until now, cloud storage services have been pretty hard to use, and the vast majority of us still have our stuff spread out everywhere. In fact, according to a recent poll, at least 77% of people who are familiar with the cloud still have content stored on a device that is not backed up elsewhere. We want to change that."

As part of that goal, Jones says Microsoft is doing more than just changing the name.

"We're rolling out several new capabilities, including automatic camera backup for Android and the ability to share and view videos just as easily as photos," he adds.

The software giant has also added new ways for users to earn more storage—on top of the 7 GB already offered for free.

Customers who refer friends can now receive up to 5 GB (in 500 MB increments) for each friend who accepts an invitation to OneDrive, as well as a new monthly payment plan, for users seeking greater flexibility in how they use their storage.

Jones adds that Microsoft has built OneDrive into the latest versions of Windows, Windows Phone, Office, and Xbox.

Check out the OneDrive video below: