Although cloud storage is becoming more common, many still have very fragmented digital lives with files spread out across multiple devices. But what do you do if you need to access a file on your computer and only have your phone handy? That’s where Younity comes in. It’s a service that gives you access to all your files from all your devices, no matter which device you’re using.
To use Younity, you have to install the Younity app on all your devices. It will then index your files, and you can search through them on other devices. It’s not cloud storage, because the files are still stored on your computer or phone — They’re just accessible over the Internet, and starting today, you can get them on your iOS or Android device.
One of the real advantages of using a third-party platform like Younity is cross-compatibility. You might own a Mac and use iCloud, but if you’re also using an Android phone, it can be a little difficult to access the files on iCloud. With Younity, you can search all the files on your computer or other connected devices, and then stream them or view them. You can also organize them within the app. Whether it be videos, pictures, notes, documents, or music; Younity can help you access them all remotely. If you want the file to be available offline, you can download it to your phone.
Younity also doubles as a media streaming app, so if you have a song stuck in your head that you don’t have on your phone, you can stream it from your computer. Since none of the files are actually stored in a remote cloud or server, everything is private and secure, Younity says. The company markets it as an alternative to Plex’s premium service, which is quite similar. You can also share files with other friends or family members who use Younity.
“Our goal is to help people unify their fragmented content by making all their files accessible from any screen that they have,” Erik Caso, co-founder and chief executive officer of Younity, said in a statement.
However, there is a major downside to the app. In order to be able to access the files on your computer, your computer needs to be on and connected to the Internet. So, if you have a laptop that is turned off or put to sleep when you go out, then this might not be the app for you. Still, if you tend to leave your computer on or use a desktop, it could be very useful. You can also download the files you need in advance while both of your Younity connected devices are online.
If you’re interested in trying it out, you can head to the App Store or the Google Play Store to download the Younity app.