It seems that lately, the playing field for cloud storage options has exploded, and everyone is offering up some web space to store your content. For many of us, we end up having two, three, or more of these services, but we rely on our computer and web browser to access and move the files. iExplorer HD gives those who work from their iPad access to their remote files quickly and easily, and can make a huge difference in mobile productivity.
Overview
iExplorer HD, available on iPad for $4.99, is an all-in-one remote server and cloud file browser. With support for Windows sharing, NAS server, FTP, and a whole host of cloud storage options (WebDAV, SkyDrive, Google Docs, DropBox, Box.net, iDisk, and more…), iExplorer HD allows you to access your remote files quickly, with a simple touch on your iPad.
Setup for all your remote servers is quick and painless. Some services are configured in a setup pane, while others (like Google Docs & Box.net) use an API to authenticate and connect to the remote server. Some (like DropBox) even use their own iPad app to authenticate your account within iExplorer. With all your accounts set up, you are free to view and browse files without the need to bounce between different apps.
iExplorer supports a broad range of file types, and allows you play audio & video, view documents, and even show off your remote pictures as a slideshow, without the need to download the files and use up your precious iPad storage space. iExplorer’s unique photo viewer allows you not only to view a list of your images, but also view all your remote images in the same gallery layout as your stock Photos app.
Another unique feature of iExplorer is the ability to move files between your cloud and remote storage servers, as well as to and from your iPads built-in storage by simply holding your finger on the item you’d like to copy, and choosing “copy” from the pop-up menu. Other options within the pop-up menu include creating a new folder or text file, renaming or deleting of files, the option to open the file in other applications, and email a file.
Adding files to your iPad can be done both wirelessly or over USB through iTunes (much like many other flash drive type apps), and once added to your iPad, can be copied to your various remote locations, or viewed within the local folder of the iExplorer interface.
Verdict[rating:4.5]
iExplorer HD takes exploring your cloud files from a desktop computer and drops it onto your iPad in a clean and simple way. iExplorer HD’s wide range of supported services and file types can easily make it your go-to cloud and remote file browser.
iExplorer HD is available for $4.99 in the App Store – iPhone version (iExplorer) sold separately.
Pros:
- Wide range of supported file types
- Integration of a large array of cloud services
- Support for FTP & Windows sharing
- Ability to move files across different services
Cons:
- Limit of 1 account per cloud service
- Copying files to some services is currently unsupported
