Google Drive -- finally -- gets a decent search tool

With Google/Alphabet having search so deeply ingrained in its DNA, it is somewhat surprising that the search capabilities found in Drive have been so limited. Now that changes. The cloud storage service, at long last, has a search tool that's worth using.

As well as rolling out to the web, Google Drive's new search options are also making their way to iOS and Android devices. Apple users in particular have something to look forward to thank to support for 3D Touch and deeplinking.

Of course, the ability to search Google Drive is not new, but there are finally the more advanced filtering options that users have been waiting for. This means that it is possible to home in on files from any device. Writing on the Google Drive blog, group product manager Steen Andersson highlights the new was in which users can search for files:

• Narrow your search to a file type from the search box on Android, iOS, and the web.
• Open advanced search instantly from the search box.
• Access recent files or search Drive from the home screen using 3D Touch on iOS.
• Search Drive using the iOS search bar without opening the Drive app.

In addition to this, it is now also possible to use advanced search parameters such as ownership, date modified, and contents. The rollout is now underway, so if you don’t yet see the changes, you will very soon.