Pushbullet devs introduce super simple WiFi file transfer app called Portal [VIDEO]

The developers behind Pushbullet are gearing up to bring a big update to the push notification app soon, but first they dropped a brand new app on us. It’s called Portal, and it enables you to transfer files from your computer to your Android phone.

It’s not super exciting or some new concept, but it is simple, and it is fast. It works by transferring files over your local WiFi network, so you don’t have to deal with shoddy connection and server speeds. Files transferred to your phone are easily accessed either within the app or Android’s standard file browser.

It’s different from Pushbullet’s file transfer feature which can work even if your two devices aren’t on the same network. We’re not sure why it couldn’t simply be brought to Pushbullet as a new feature, but we won’t complain — it’s free and it’s awesome.

The developers have plans for big updates soon, including the ability to transfer files from your phone to PC.

And that’s about it. Like we said: simple, but sweet. Give it a go over at Google Play.

[via Pushbullet]

Pushbullet listens to feedback, fixes annoying share menu after user backlash

On yesterday’s Mobile Roar podcast we talked briefly about the latest Pushbullet update and how it somehow broke the one feature many of us use it for in the first place: easy sharing to our Android devices.

Pushbullet is seemingly going through a weird transitional phase where the app now mimics a messaging app more than anything. But that’s not even what bothered us. When sharing links, photos, or files to your devices, the app required an extra button press (I know, GASP!) to pull up your devices. You’d pick Pushbullet from the Android share menu, then select yourself, then select one of your devices. It wasn’t so much an annoyance as it was less convenient and convenience is exactly what Pushbullet has been selling this entire time.

Listening to feedback from users — just like us — who weren’t pleased with the new update, Pushbullet announced on their blog that they’ve updated the Android app with a new bar that displays all your devices. They’ve also made a few changes to their Windows and browser extensions based on feedback as well. Can’t remember the last time we’ve seen an app developer address so many user concerns so quickly, but there you have it. You can find an update to Pushbullet waiting for you on the Google Play Store right now.

[Pushbullet]