Microsoft takes SkyDrive higher

Outlook.com hits 10m users.

Microsoft today released its new look SkyDrive cloud storage service as well as a brand new Android app.

Microsoft’s refreshed SkyDrive design includes an updated interface mirroring that of Office 2013, released last month. It is modelled on Microsoft’s Metro design - a monika Microsoft abruptly canned last week. 

The home page defaults to the Metro-style, tile-based layout, along with new features including instant search, toolbar, drag and drop, customisation and simpler sorting. It is expected to launch in the next 24 hours.

SkyDrive for Windows and Mac has also been updated for speed and efficiency based on customer feedback, focusing on photo uploads and sync.

SkyDrive has been increasingly integrated with other Microsoft products such as Office 2013 and Windows Phone, in an effort to differentiate the service from rivals like Google Drive and Dropbox. 

Android app

SkyDrive has been available on Windows Phone and iPhone devices since late 2011. Microsoft today announced an Android app would complete the offering in a few weeks.

The Android application is formatted similarly to its siblings and allows users to browse, upload and share SkyDrive files.

“We've taken the same DNA from the SkyDrive Windows 8 app and brought that to the web,” Microsoft said in a blog post. “We've updated nearly 100 percent of the SkyDrive UI to provide a fast and fluid web experience on all browsers and devices.”

Microsoft also today revealed 10 million users had signed up to its Outlook.com email service since its launch this month, prompting the software giant to say it was "humbled" by the result.

More than 1 million people signed up for the service in the first 6 hours it was available.