Dropbox updates iOS app with PDF signing, picture-in-picture features
(Image: Dropbox)
Cloud-based file sharing service Dropbox on Tuesday rolled out an update to its iOS app that adds some new productivity features tailored to iOS 10.
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The new features include the ability to sign PDFs right from within Dropbox, a new lock screen widget to speed workflows, the ability to share and access Dropbox files in iMessage, and picture-in-picture functionality.
Probably the most notable out of all the announcements is the PDF signature capability. It allows users to open up PDF files right from their mobile devices and insert signatures directly from the Dropbox app. The concept is pretty basic, but it's still a pain point for businesses that require document signatures on the regular.
Additionally, Dropbox is making it easier to find and share Dropbox files within Apple's iMessage platform. The integration is meant to cut down on workers needing to toggle back and forth between apps when completing certain tasks. Similarly, the lock screen widget for iOS 10 allows users to create, view, scan, and upload files, docs, or receipts into Dropbox with just a tap.
Dropbox is also now supporting picture-in-picture environments on iPad, which allows users to watch a video from their Dropbox while working in another app. Dropbox said it plans to launch split-screen support sometime in the coming weeks.
Overall, Tuesday's iOS app update is a continuation of Dropbox's efforts to move beyond the basics of file sharing and boost productivity features across its platform. In June, Dropbox rolled out a bevy of collaboration tools for teams, individuals, and businesses.
A few weeks later, the company revamped its admin dashboard and added more folder-level controls for document sharing, organization, and security with the goal of making the platform more enterprise-friendly.
"We are really focused on simplifying how people work together," said Dropbox Product Manager Matt Pan. "When you look at Dropbox from the beginning, it's been about how people share and access content. The next phase is productivity and collaboration on top of file sync and share."