Google turns website Drive into a progressive web app

Google has turned the Drive website into a progressive web app. Users can save the site on desktop and mobile, after which it can be opened without browser elements such as the menu bar. The Google Drive app for smartphones will continue to exist.

Google Drive’s progressive web app seems to only install from Chrome for the time being, Android Police writes. In addition, a plus sign appears on desktop at the end of the address bar and a click on it gives a pop-up asking whether users want to install the pwa. The option can also be found under the menu with the three dots at the top right of the screen.

The option is also in the mobile version under the menu with the three dots. In that case, the user puts Drive on the home screen and in the main menu of the mobile device. A pwa is a web app with elements of a full app, such as support for saving interface elements offline so that pages load faster and pushing notifications.

The web app does not replace the native app; it is only a supplement. Google previously made PWAs of other services, including Photos and YouTube Music.