Access Amazon Cloud Drive on Desktop

Amazon Cloud Drive and the Music Streaming Debate

The newly launched Amazon Cloud Drive service has garnered significant attention, primarily because of its music streaming capability.

This feature allows users to access their music files, stored on the cloud, from any of their personal devices.

Unsurprisingly, major recording companies have promptly raised concerns regarding the service’s legal standing.

Beyond Music Streaming: Additional Features

However, the music streaming functionality isn't the sole noteworthy aspect of Cloud Drive.

Users are initially provided with 5GB of free storage space.

This storage capacity can be increased to 20GB for a period of one year with the purchase of an MP3 album directly from Amazon.

Accessibility and Recent Updates

Initially, access to the stored data was limited to PCs through a web browser interface.

This restriction has now been lifted, expanding the service’s usability.

The expanded accessibility allows for greater convenience and flexibility for users of the Amazon Cloud Drive service.

Amazon Cloud Drive and the Dropbox Experience

The introduction of Cloud Drive represents Amazon's entry into the cloud storage market, though the concept itself isn't novel. Dropbox has long been a preferred tool for many, including the team at MakeUseOf, establishing itself as a prominent player in cloud storage. Furthermore, Microsoft provides its own cloud storage offering known as Windows Live SkyDrive.

Currently, Amazon Cloud Drive faces a slight limitation due to the availability of only a web-based interface. While sufficient for certain operations, this lacks the fluid integration characteristic of Dropbox and comparable services.

However, a solution exists to bridge this gap and enable Cloud Drive to function similarly to Dropbox. This is achieved through the utilization of Gladinet Cloud Desktop.

Leveraging Gladinet for Enhanced Functionality

Gladinet Cloud Desktop effectively extends the capabilities of Amazon Cloud Drive. It introduces features that mirror the convenience and accessibility associated with Dropbox’s functionality.

By employing Gladinet, users can experience a more integrated cloud storage solution. This allows for a workflow that closely resembles the one offered by Dropbox, despite utilizing Amazon’s underlying storage infrastructure.

Benefits of Using Gladinet with Amazon Cloud Drive

Seamless Integration: Gladinet provides a desktop application that integrates directly with your operating system.
File Synchronization: Automatic synchronization of files between your computer and Amazon Cloud Drive is enabled.
Enhanced Accessibility: Access your files from anywhere, just like with Dropbox.

In essence, Gladinet Cloud Desktop serves as a valuable bridge, transforming Amazon Cloud Drive into a more versatile and user-friendly cloud storage option. It allows users to benefit from Amazon’s storage capacity while enjoying a Dropbox-like experience.

Effortless Configuration

Gladinet Cloud Desktop is a cloud storage solution that has been available since 2009, providing users with access to their cloud-based files. This application allows for direct access to cloud storage from a computer by mounting it as a virtual drive.

Upon mounting, the cloud storage appears within your system’s file explorer, functioning as a Network Location.

The complimentary version of Gladinet can be obtained from the official Gladinet website. While it offers a reduced feature set when contrasted with the paid version – including restrictions on file transfer quantities and limited access to backup functionalities – these limitations are unlikely to pose a problem for the majority of users.

Configuring Gladinet to work with Amazon Cloud Drive is a straightforward process. The installation wizard will guide you through setting up existing cloud accounts.

Amazon Cloud Drive will be listed alphabetically, appearing at the beginning of the account selection list. Choose it, and then input your Amazon login details.

Following the completion of the installation, Amazon Cloud Drive will be successfully mounted and accessible as a Network Location on your computer.

Accessing Your Cloud Desktop

The installation of Gladinet provides access to your Cloud Drive; however, it doesn't automatically create a desktop icon. Establishing desktop access requires a few simple steps within your operating system.

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

Begin by opening My Computer (or This PC on newer systems). Then, navigate to and open My Gladinet Drive.

Locate the Amazon Cloud Drive folder within Gladinet. Right-click on this folder to reveal a context menu.

From the menu, select Create Shortcut. This action generates a shortcut to your Cloud Drive folder.

Finally, move the newly created shortcut to your desktop. This provides direct access to your Cloud Drive from your desktop environment.

Shortcut Management

Like any other desktop shortcut, the Cloud Drive shortcut is fully movable. You are free to reposition it as desired.

Should you prefer, the shortcut can be relocated to other folders, such as My Documents, to better suit your organizational preferences.

This flexibility allows for a customized and convenient workflow when interacting with your cloud storage.

Expanding Storage Options with Gladinet

Gladinet’s recent integration with Amazon Cloud Drive represents a significant addition to its capabilities. However, this functionality is just one facet of a broader range of features offered by the platform.

Gladinet provides connectivity to numerous cloud storage services. These include popular platforms like Google Docs, Picasa, and Windows Live SkyDrive. Notably, Dropbox is currently not supported.

Connecting Additional Cloud Accounts

Users can integrate these alternative storage solutions alongside Amazon Cloud Drive. This is achieved by launching the Gladinet Cloud Desktop application.

Within the application, navigate to the Manage My Cloud Storage Accounts section. Then, select the folder icon located in the top-left corner of the interface.

A prompt will appear, requesting you to choose a storage provider. You will also need to input your account credentials, mirroring the process used during the initial Cloud Drive setup.

Further Exploration

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Gladinet Cloud Desktop software, a dedicated article detailing its features is available for review.

This resource provides in-depth information about the platform’s functionalities and how to maximize its potential.

Concluding Remarks

Gladinet presents itself as a robust solution for cloud storage needs. Currently, it stands out as the sole cloud desktop software providing compatibility with Amazon Cloud Drive.

Should you be aware of any additional functionalities or techniques related to Cloud Drive, we encourage you to share your insights in the comments section below.