Responding to Google Drive, Insync shifts focus to power users, paid app

The creators of Insync, an app that offers Dropbox-like functionality to Google Docs users, have responded to the launch of Google Drive.

More than two weeks ago, I wrote that Insync is at risk of becoming redundant, since Google Drive replicates some of its features. Although Insync is the superior app for now, it’s only a matter of time before Google starts adding more features to its new offering.

In response, Insync announced two days ago that it will focus on Google Docs power and business users. Also, once it moves out of beta and into version 1.0, Insync will become a paid app with a free 30-day trial. Users will still be able to use Insync for Mac and Windows for free via a referral program. More details will be announced soon.

Currently, there are several things that Insync can do that Google Drive can’t. As listed on their blog post, they are:

• Google Docs in your “drive” — offline GDocs editing
• @gmail.com, @company.com, @family.com — multiple Google account sync support
• Who edited word.doc? — recent changes
• Change your Google Drive directory easily — just click Insync Preferences
• When recipient deletes a file, owner would still have local access to the document
• Local folder and file right-click (contextual menu) support for easy sharing
• No browser required when sharing (standalone app for Insync version 1.0+)

Moving forward, Insync already have their iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone apps in the works, which are expected to launch in May and June. Insync for the iPad and Android tablets will follow.

The mobile versions will have power features like “send as attachment”, streaming music and videos, offline folders and files, export to SD Card for Android and BlackBerry, saving email attachments to Google Docs, and more.

Version 1.0 of Insync for Mac and Windows will roll out in June or July. Beta versions are already available on these platforms. A Linux version is being planned too.

It’ll be interesting to see how Insync navigates an increasingly crowded file-sharing space. Even Facebook has gotten into the game, enabling users to share files within Facebook Groups.

The company had previously raised a US$800,000 seed round late last year from Neoteny Labs, Reid Hoffman, Skype co-founder Toivo Annus, and Twitter’s ex-COO Santosh Jayaram.