Google One, the default cloud storage service on Android phones globally, has come under scrutiny for not upgrading its base storage in years. Back in 2012, Google Drive offered a generous 25GB of storage for just $2.49 a month, with a 100GB option available for $4.99 a month. In 2014, Google even lowered the price of its 100GB plan to $1.99 a month, making it an attractive choice compared to its competitors.
However, it seems that times have changed. With the recent announcement that Google Photos will no longer offer free unlimited photo and video backups, the 100GB plan is no longer sufficient for the average user’s needs. As photos and videos have increased in size over the years, the demand for more cloud storage has grown.
While smartphones now offer larger physical storage capacities, cloud storage remains vital for storing files across multiple devices and for easily sharing with others. Therefore, it is only fair to expect that Google’s pricing for 100GB of storage should either decrease or provide more storage for the same price.
Interestingly, other cloud storage providers such as Apple and Microsoft have also maintained their base storage plans without any upgrades. This raises the question: why aren’t these companies adapting to the changing demands and needs of their users?
To stay competitive, Google could consider offering a bundled package that includes a larger cloud storage plan along with its various services. Additionally, improving family-sharing functionality would also be a significant improvement, as many users rely on cloud storage to share files with their loved ones.
It has been nearly a decade since Google last offered 100GB of base cloud storage for $1.99 a month. Given the increased storage needs of users, it is high time for an update. Google One needs to acknowledge the current trends and respond accordingly, either through a price decrease or by offering more storage for the same price. After all, customer satisfaction should always be a top priority for any tech giant.
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