File Manager

Rhythm Software's File Manager is a solid app for managing data on an Android device. There's a lot to like about it, including a sleek, user-friendly interface, easy-to-execute commands like copy, paste, and delete, as well as decent network browsing.

Comparisons to X-plore, another great app for Android file management, are inevitable, as both are good apps. I do however, like the hierarchal, double-pane view of X-plore better as well as a few other features. But Rhythm Software's File Manager is definitely worth a look.

Installation
File Manager is a simply-named app for managing files on Android devices. This free 1.5MB-sized app installs on Android OS versions 1.6 and up. There is also a free HD version for tablets. As with other apps in the category, installation was quick and easy.

Interface
This app?has a very user-friendly interface that emulates Windows Explorer in Windows 7. Image and video files have thumbnails and other files have icons. File extensions show the file type. Directories are viewable in list or grid mode. Sorting is available by name, date, size, or type. I sorted by date and was surprised to see two folders stamped December 31, 1979! All other dates seemed in order, though.

When you hold down a particular file or folder icon for a few seconds a menu pops up. The menu lists all the available actions such as viewing details or performing a copy, delete, move, rename, bookmark, share, or compression?which zips the file.

Everything worked well, although I had an issue with the 'Move' feature. When you tap on Move, nothing happens on screen. I didn't see a move take place nor did I see a way to move the file. In X-plore, as soon as you tap 'Move,' the app moves the file to the SD card by default and displays a progress status. You know the file is moving.

File Manager also lacks built-in file viewers. X-plore has its own built in preview capabilities for opening multimedia files, useful if you happen to not have an app installed that can view a media file, or have problems with the app you usually use.
File Manager's search feature is more robust than X-plore's, however. You can perform a search to pull up all images, audio or video files, whereas X-plore lets you search for all .JPGs, or .MP3 or .TXT files.

Storage Analysis and Settings
Storage Analysis is a nice feature. It tells you which directory is taking the most storage and lists down to the one taking the least.? It also displays the total amount and available amount of storage on the device and SD card.?

In 'Settings' you have some customization options such as show or hide hidden files and thumbnails. This is also the place to change the look of the app by selecting a dark or light theme.? You can also configure the app to automatically mount folders. Root Explorer is a feature for advanced users; it's enabled to modify files under /root and requires a rooted phone. File Manager also has a refresh button for refreshing the interface ? something lacking in Xplore.

I was able to successfully connect and browse shares on a Windows Server 8 computer.? The app picked up other connected machines with a scan as well.

File Manager vs Xplore
Both File Manager and Xplore do a good job with Android file management. The one you prefer may come down to personal preference. I particularly like the hierarchal, double pane display in X-plore. It's very detailed and makes it easy to see directory structure. Xplore also features built-in Picasa support and can be used to view database files. It's rated at 3.5 stars, just a bit under 4 star-earner X-plore, which is more feature heavy. Still, File Manager is a very good choice for file management and some tasks like search and refresh, are better than in Xplore.

More?Android App?Reviews:
??? File Manager
??? Temple Run (for Android)
??? Astro File Manager (for Android)
??? Tablified Market HD Pro (for Android)
??? Opera Mobile 12 (for Android)
?? more

nfl mvp lana del rey snl performance nick diaz sheryl sandberg superbowl recipes super bowl kick off chili recipes