Google has just announced it will be splitting up its popular Drive app into three new standalone apps – in the name of streamlining and productivity.

Google on the go (x3)

Google announced the update in a blog post.

“Starting today, you can download new, standalone mobile apps for Docs and Sheets—with Slides coming soon. Need to find a spreadsheet? Go to the Sheets app.

“Need to create a document? Go to the Docs app. They’re all right there at your fingertips,”  wrote Google product manager Brian Levee.

Previously, the Drive app handled all this functionality.

Is more really less?

The new apps all come equipped with offline support, so users can view, edit and create files without an internet connection.

Until further notice, the Drive app can still be used to view and organise all documents, spreadsheets, presentations and photos. However editing is not permitted.

Two step shuffle

The move is a curious one from Google, and has not been warmly embraced by all users.

Google originally merged the standalone Docs and Sheets app into Drive. Now it's separating them again, while keeping Drive alive with limited functionality.

It remains to be seen whether the change heralds a larger update in the works, or simply another way for Google to get a better grounding in mobile.

To find out more visit googleblog.blogspot.com.au.

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