Google today announced the launch of Backup and Sync, a new app for Macs and PCs that's designed to back up files and photos safely in Google Drive and Google Photos. The new app is meant to replace the existing Google Photos desktop uploader and Drive for Mac/PC.

To use Backup and Sync, Google Drive/Photos users just need to download the app and then choose the folders they want to back up. From there, the selected folders will be continually backed up to Google's services, providing an alternative to Time Machine and making it easier to automatically store important files in the cloud.

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In addition to specific folders on a Mac or PC, Backup and Sync can also automatically import files from SD cards and USB devices when a camera, SD card, or other device is connected to a computer.

There are also specific options users can set to dictate how file deletions are handled, and users can choose to upload photos at a lower quality if space is a concern.

Backup and Sync is available starting today through Google Drive and Google Photos.

Top Rated Comments

bigjnyc Avatar
77 months ago
Nooooo thank you
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benz240 Avatar
77 months ago
I'm surprised Google has not come out with an app equivalent to Photos.app for MacOS and Windows.

Android users don't have a nice app like we do that stays synced automatically and keeps a constant local copy of your library. They can only view their photos on the website.

Google would do well releasing a Photos.app equivalent. I wonder why they won't.
I miss Picasa
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
szw-mapple fan Avatar
77 months ago
From there, the selected folders will be continually backed up to Google's services, providing an alternative to Time Machine and making it easier to automatically store important files in the cloud.
Time Machine is more than just backup though. It also has versioning, which is very handy when I want to go back to an older version of something.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
canadianreader Avatar
77 months ago
iCloud is good enough
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
G0OGLE Avatar
77 months ago

OK Google, how much do you know about me now?
ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT YOU NEED TO STOP BUMMING AROUND AND START DOING SOME ACTUAL WORK, CITIZEN.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
motm95 Avatar
77 months ago
I swear, Google is the king of replacing and deprecating its services for something new that basically does the same thing. Kind of annoying.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)