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SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) —  Google is hoping to build the world's largest digital filing cabinet in the latest attempt to deepen people's dependence on its services.
 


The Internet search leader began its pursuit of the audacious goal Tuesday with the much-anticipated debut of Google Drive, a product that stores personal documents, photos, videos and a wide range of other digital content on Google's computers.
 


By keeping files in massive data centers, users will be able to call up the information on their smartphones, tablet computers, laptops and just about any other Internet-connected device. Content can also be more easily shared among friends, family and co-workers by sending links to the information instead of emailing large attachments.
 


Google Drive is offering the first five gigabytes of storage for free. Monthly prices for additional storage will range from $2.49 for 25 gigabytes to $49.99 for one terabyte, equivalent to five laptops with 200-gigabyte drives.
 


The service is initially available through a Web-based interface or as a software installation on Windows-based computers, Mac computers, laptops running on Google's Chrome operating system and smartphones powered by Google's Android software. A version compatible with Apple Inc.'s hot-selling iPhone and iPad is due in the next few weeks.


 
It may be several weeks before Google Drive is available throughout the world. Many Google users were simply told Tuesday to check back and request to be notified.
 


Offering online storage is part of a technological shift away from storing personal files on a single machine in a home orGoogle Drive.
 


"A lot of people already trust Google,'' he said. "If you already feel comfortable using Google's services, then you will probably use Google Drive, too.''

 
Google shares gained $3.67 Tuesday to close at $601.27.

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With its new cloud storage, Google is hoping to build the world's largest digital filing cabinet in the latest attempt to deepen people's dependence on its services.

Google launches storage service for personal files

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