This week, Synology rolled out their new and updated version of mobile Drive app. In its v3.0, it accompanies the previously updated, and already available Synology Drive Server v3.

While Drive 3 is still in beta, the server component is not. So as a prerequisite, you will need a minimum of 3.0.2 server version to get the option to use all of the new features of the Drive 3.0 app.

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Saying this, if you are running an older version of Drive Server, you will be able to use the new version of mobile Drive 3, just not all of its features (more details later on)

What's new?

Following on the new feature that we got with Drive server 3.x, the mobile app is here to bring some fresh air into the UI itself, as well as provide some new options that were previously not possible.

New Synology Drive 3.0 mobile app (iOS)

As can be seen from the image above, the focus from a classic file browsing using the "explorer" view has been replaced by the new home screen. The idea behind is to have quick access to the most recent files, as well as the ability to use predefined filters along the top for an, even more, quicker access to specific file types.

Also, on the very top, there is now a search bar that can find any file that you have in your Drive setup, regarding its name, extension, or tag.

The top section is full of search and filter options

As a final result, you will get instant access to all the file types you need, depending on your selection of these carefully curated and designed buttons.

Photos filter in action

A great benefit is that in this specific view you can pinch to zoom in or out and that way places more items inside your view area.

Another great and intuitive navigation method is the use of labels or tags. With a dedicated section on the home screen, you can select your label and quickly get to all your content that has the same tag applied to it.

List of all your labels/tags

The best part is that once you are in "label view" you can use your search bar to search for a specific file that has that tag applied to itself. Also, you can create documents or photo collections.

Photo Collections, a virtual presentation of selected files under a specific name

Creating collections is fast and easy indeed. Once you locate the files that you want to add to a virtual collection, just give it a name and a collection folder will present itself under the Photo Collection tab. The same goes for documents or any non-photo files.

As always, you can use Drive to navigate your complete selection of files and folders in order to access, delete, move, send or share them, any way you want. Use the Files tab on the bottom you will land in a familiar folder/file overview of your content.

In case you want to find or browse your content, use the Files section

Same as the web version of the Drive platform, the mobile app allows you to view, play and share your content.

If you want to look at a PDF file or play your music with a built-in player, you can.

Full-featured PDF viewing is supported

Sharing from a mobile version of Drive was never its strong side. Well with v3 that has changed. Now you can create shared links that you can send as QR codes, and even generate a protection link with a password and expiration date, just as you would over a web version of Drive.

Generate a share link right from your mobile device

Mobile Tasks

Drive mobile app learned a few new tricks as well. Now, if you are familiar with DSFile app you know that it can be used as a photo backup tool, just in case you are not using the new DSM 7 Synology Photos platform that does all that for you (and much more).

Similar to DSFile and Photos app, Drive can now do certain mobile tasks. One of which is Photo backup.

Drive app can perform photo and sync task operations

The process is as expected. You can select if you want to backup all or just new photos and videos while choosing the location inside the Drive structure that suits you. Keep in mind that you will not be able to back up outside the "My Drive" location, so Teams folders are off-limits for this.

Process of setting up your photos backup

In case you are wondering if and how the images will be transferred the answer is "it depends on your needs".  Drive has an upload settings option called Image Auto Convert that will allow you to keep or convert your photos during upload.

Also, you will have the option to maintain your photos and videos after they were uploaded.

Finally, as can be seen in the image above, Live photos are supported in case you use them.

Conclusion

Drive as a platform continues to be one of Synology's top solutions when it comes to how users use their NAS. Because of it, there is a lot of focus on bringing new features and options to it. Drive v3 update is part of a life cycle management and keeping it up to date with the server component that provides some already existing desktop features, but also brings in some new, mobile-only ones.