goPileus

Becoming more and more popular are web applications that allow users to easily share files across the web.  I have previously written about Min.us and Ge.tt which provide that ability.  goPileus is another option for easily sharing files over the web.  There is a simple drag and drop interface or the ability to upload a file.  You can create an account providing just an email, username, and password.  This allows you to track the files you are sharing.

When you use goPileus you create a box and use it to keep files sorted and easy to find. Select one of them and see the files inside.  You can link your bit.ly account and get short-url for your files.  Once you drag and drop your files you will have a short URL available to share your files. 

As educators, sometimes we need to get files to our students who are sick or on home-bound.  Sites like goPileus provide an avenue for sharing files that we use in our classrooms.  It would be a great way to share images as well.

Amazon Cloud Drive

Every morning I use the AP News App on my iPhone while eating my cereal to catch up on what has been going on in the world.  This morning I came across a story about Amazon moving into the online storage business.  I use Amazon to shop and if you have an account you can also have a free online storage drive of 5GB.  Amazon Cloud Drive is another method of storing your files online and having access to them anywhere you have access to the web.  You can see the plans available for purchase below.

I did not see anything in the FAQ's about file syncing, so it is basically more of a service that allows you to easily upload files to their servers and then have access to them.  You can upload videos, photos, music, and documents.  If you purchase music files through Amazon you will be able to store and stream them using the Amazon Cloud Player which is also free, and this does not affect your storage capacity.

If you haven't heard, Amazon is also offering an "Appstore" for Android phones; although they are in a legal battle with Apple over the name.  What is different is that if an app goes on sale or is free, there is a timer that lets you know how long you have to take advantage of that deal.  It appears that Amazon is working at entering the Web 2.0/Mobile Market, and in a quick way.