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What you need to know
Google has announced an upgrade to its Files by Google app, featuring a new PDF viewer that aims to enhance user experience. This update, which is detailed in the app’s recent Play Store listing, replaces the previous PDF viewer that was integrated with Google Drive. The redesigned interface makes it simpler to share, star, and manage PDFs seamlessly.
The Files by Google app is set to improve its PDF viewing functionality significantly. The new custom PDF viewer replaces the old Google Drive integration, allowing users quicker access to options for starring or sharing documents. For those who prefer the traditional layout, the Google Drive app continues to offer its original PDF viewer.
Google outlined the enhancements in the “What’s new” section of the Files by Google app listing on the Google Play Store. In their update, the company stated, “Over the next few weeks, we’re rolling out improvements to your experience with PDF files,” highlighting capabilities such as printing, content search, and access to markup tools within the Files app.
Sources like 9to5Google first reported on this rollout, noting that users with version 1.5687 of the Files app began receiving the new viewer after some server-side updates. Confirmation of the new PDF viewer was also reported by Android Central, with some users having to update their systems to Android 15 to access the latest features.
Users will discover a more intuitive design in the new PDF viewer, with enhanced functionalities clearly presented. The overflow menu now offers essential options that were previously not available through the old user interface, making navigation more efficient. In the past, certain actions could only be performed in a list view of documents, but this limitation has been addressed.
The redesigned viewer features key icons for Star and Share, which are now more accessible than before, eliminating the need to navigate through the overflow menu for these primary functions. The new menu includes various options such as Use as, Open with, Move to Trash, Move to, Copy to, Move to Safe folder, File info, Find in file, and Print.
Additionally, the markup button has been updated for easier access, and some documents may include a Google Lens button positioned to streamline search functionalities.
Source
www.androidcentral.com