17 replies to this topic

[Peter1]

I need to access Google drive and wondered if I could do that with windows phone.

I know android is more secure and stable but wondered if windows is at least a decent phone. I like files and folders an need google drive as my wife is digitally not OK and needs it. We need to both be able to access Google drive. She does not want another cloud.

[Tomk]

There are several apps for accessing Google Drive from a windows phone.  A couple of them are G Drive, Gdrive.net, and Metro Drive.  Of course, you don't need an app.  You can simply go there from the browser in your phone.

 

I'm not sure I would agree that android is more secure or more stable.  I don't know the current statistics, but in 2015 Alcatel-Lucent reported that over 60% of all mobile device malware is found on android devices.  They are the "big player" so it makes sense that they are the target for malware writers.  Windows phones were only about 4% of the consumer market (and that is probably declining) making them much less attractive targets, but they are still windows OS so there is some malware that will attack them... but it's very rare.  The bottom line is that both are actually pretty secure and in either case the risk is much more dependent on the user than the OS.  I will say that I know a few businesses that only allow their management to utilize Windows phones because they believe they are more secure... but I can't say I understand their analysis to arrive at that.  The only part that actually makes sense to me is that I have a client that is a national seed and chemical company.  They only let their people have Windows phones because they believe they have more control because they know what apps they have on them and how they will interface with the rest of their computer systems - thus they feel more secure.

 

As far as stability, I'd say both systems are pretty stable.  Android updates there system on a regular basis.  Windows almost never updates theirs.  I'm not sure that is really a true indication of stability.

 

I've told you before, I use a Windows phone because of it's simplicity.  I currently have a Lumia 735, the only Windows phone on the Verizon system.  Verizon hasn't approved Windows 10 on phones so it comes with Windows 8.1... but I installed Windows 10 on it through the Microsoft Insider program and I really like it.

 

The radios in the phones that allow them to communicate with both wifi and cellular network are very similar.  I don't believe that there is any appreciable difference in most phones.  However, app availability is exponentially larger with the android system than on the windows phone.  People are just not writing apps for the windows mobiles.  In many cases it isn't a big deal as we are talking the difference between having the choice of 20 chess apps on a windows phone and 200 on an android.  You can still play chess.  I find it very handy to have Microsoft Office come with my windows phone.  I can easily modify excel spreadsheets on my phone.  I also, using the Remote Desktop app, can "run" my computer at my office from my windows phone from anywhere I have a signal.  These things can be done on android also... but I just find it extremely easy on the Windows phone.  I've stated elsewhere that the decision on what phone to use was pretty much strictly due to my father.  We got a loaner Iphone, a couple different androids and a windows phone and had him use each one for a week.  He didn't make it the whole week with the Iphone before he got frustrated.  He was able, with some difficulty to use the androids, but it was a challenge.  He had no problems using the Windows phone.  He found it to be fairly intuitive from day one.  He actually "test drove" one of the androids, then the Windows phone, then the other android.  He wanted the Windows phone back before completing the week with the second android.  That was like 5 years ago and I doubt he would even be willing to try one of the other systems today.

 

All of that being said, Microsoft doesn't seem to be doing anything with the phones.  It appears that they are willing to just let a good thing die on the vine.  I truly wonder how long they will continue to be available.  I will say the pricing on them is good.  I have a business account so my pricing is different than what you can probably get, but I upgraded one of my superintendents phones to the Lumia 735 just yesterday.  The new phone cost $29.95.  I don't think I could get any new android phone for that price.

[Peter1]

I wish I could type that quickly. I certainly appreciate all of the information you gave me. I will take it all into consideration

I am however leaning to the windows phone b/c OneDrive  can be accessed by both android and windows whereas Google cannot access OneDrive. My systemm seems to be working out.

I'll let you knw how it goes.

[Peter1]

I used to keep all important docs in Google Drive which I could back up with Google Take Out. I kept the wife's art in one drive(less important) .

Thinking I could back up OneDrive, I switched and now find I cannot backup Onedrive for free.

I am afraid of losing MS OneDrive some time with all my docs.

The reason for the switch was so I could access all from a phone. I was going to get the Window's phone.

I can access all from the Window's phone but not the Google one but cannot back up MS OneDrive.

 

Windows OneDrive can be accessed from both Google and Window's phones. 

 

Google Drive cannot be accessed with a Window's phone - to my knowledge.

 

So I chance Onedrive with the Window's phone or put the important docs in Google Drive and have to use a  Google phone.

 

This is all because my wife is not at all digitally inclined. This is all so she can access both clouds.

Edited by Peter1, 17 February 2017 - 05:55 AM.

[Tomk]

I must not understand.  In my previous post I mentioned some windows phone apps that are designed specifically to interface with Google Drive on a windows phone.  Also I pointed out that you can get to Google Drive from any browser.  What do you mean that Google Drive cannot be accessed from a windows phone?

 

https://www.microsof...e/9wzdncrdfxfq#

https://www.microsof...ve/9wzdncrddjcc

https://www.microsof...cs/9wzdncrcwmvg

https://www.microsof...ti/9wzdncrfjv45

https://www.microsof...et/9nblggh3rm3r

https://www.microsof...ve/9nblggh5qkdc

 

I also don't know why you cannot back up onedrive.  Simply sync with your devise, then onedrive is your backup, or back up your device with some other method and your copy on your device is backed up.

 

[Peter1]

Every link said this does not work on your device.
I have a Google phone.
I have not found an app that allows you to access MS from a Google device.
I have read there is a push for reciprocity but to date I know of none.
I did form a work around.I can back Google Drive up with TakeOut and download my main folder in MS cloud or
One Drive to desktop.I then save all the documents to two flashdrives.
I also image with this data included.

 

I am now on my windows PC and the links open.

 

https://www.google.c...qxAIPncpDrGdxrA

Edited by Peter1, 17 February 2017 - 11:57 AM.

[Tomk]

Ah... there explains at least one of the pieces of the puzzle that I wasn't getting.  My response was based upon what could be done with a windows phone.  I know nothing about the google phone and, obviously, windows phone apps will not work on them.

 

The reason that it says "this does not work on your devices" is because the "your device" it is talking about is the computer you are using... not a windows phone.  I'm guessing you figured that out yourself and that is what you mean with your last line (that may have been edited in) "I am now on my windows PC and the links open."

 

https://productforum...ive/b3XWMgOIthE

https://support.goog...r/2365097?hl=en

https://mspoweruser....ws-phone-users/

http://www.windowsce...ag/google-drive

https://mspoweruser....g/google-drive/

[Peter1]

Without beating a dead horse and to the point.

My goal is to get my wife to see what is important and also provide security and no maintenance, hence the Chromebook. I tried to accommodate scenarios that entailed both google phone and a window one. Also the Chromebook and windows PC 

By putting my data in Onedrive all can access it. They can access her art in Google drive and only the windows phone could not see.

Once a week I download the important folder to my desktop docs and they all are backed up and imaged.

I think I covered all the bases except the windows phone seeing the google drive. I am optimistic that an app will be added soon but no biggie if it is not.

I wish MS had a vehicle like Google and wish Google had an app like MS. They would enhance computing if they worked together. 

Worse than a Ch .............fire drill.

[Tomk]

What I've been trying to say is that I believe the apps currently exist.  They have for several years.  However, perhaps they don't work the way you want them to some how.  I don't use google drive.

 

OK.  Just for grins and because I'm curious.  I set up a google drive and put some folders on it.  I installed both the Metro and the G-drive apps on my phone.  From my windows phone I am able to see, download, and share the files from both of the apps as well as just while using the browser on my windows phone.  I don't understand what you are saying.  I keep thinking you are saying you cannot reach your google drive from a windows phone.  You should be able to.

[Peter1]

If you can reach Google drive with a windows phone via an app on that phone it does prove it can be done. All of my inquiries and research have shown it is not possible,  yet.

I apologize for taking up your time and cannot thank you enough for your shedding proof positive on this subject.

I can access everything from my desktop; it was the phone I was concerned about and did not have one to test it out..

 

I hope others read this thread and appreciate what you went through to demonstrate that it can be done. I assume one can get a Google Drive app in the Window store to perform this with a windows phone. I'll bet you correct that last sentence   I have not gotten one but surely will now. It is premature for me to get to deep into it as I will be switching in March or April.

You are a fine detective and thank you again.

P.S. I should have gone to a store to see but it would be a rough trip so I did all research online. There are a lot of under educated folks out there when it comes to the windows phone. 

Edited by Peter1, 17 February 2017 - 05:38 PM.

[Tomk]

True.  A large portion of the world doesn't believe that Windows phones actually work.

 

Now remember, I only downloaded two possible apps (I kind of like the Metro one out of the two), but there are several others available in the app store... including a few that aren't free.  Also, it has been my experience that anything that I can access from the browser on my desktop, I can also access from the browser on my phone.

[Peter1]

I just got a shocker. MS Lumia 950 is emptying its inventory so they are not expensive,but, will support last, why don't folks buy them, only ATT carries them on their terms.

It is something to think about.

I don't care for android, love windows and don't like apple. But windows seems to be least liked and shaky.

They are selling at 1/2 price and maybe the surface will follow but will be expensive if it happens.

[Tomk]

The 950 seems like a good phone... unfortunately, they won't work on Verizon or I'd have one.

[Peter1]

I have an awful lot of investigating to do to resolve this issue but thanks for the help so far how do you handle this phone is your are you happy with Android iPhone or Windows

[Marilyn T]

Windows