On Monday, sources revealed that Microsoft's renamed OneDrive cloud locker is taking cues from Dropbox by offering users extra storage space, up to 8 GB, for performing certain tasks. OneDrive is expected to make its debut in April as part of Windows 8.1 Update 1 that Microsoft has yet to acknowledge.
According to the leaked info, OneDrive users can earn up to 5 GB of extra storage by referring friends to the service. More specifically, users can only refer ten friends with this offer, at 500 MB each. However, once the friend signs on using your invitation, they will also receive 500 MB of free space.
The leaked info also reveals that users can get up to 3 GB of extra space by choosing to sync photos from their device's camera. Users simply upload the pics using the OneDrive app for Android, iOS, or the built-in Windows Phone function.
New users of OneDrive will receive 7 GB when they sign up, as will the early SkyDrive adopters that already received 25 GB of storage.
By comparison, Dropbox provides 2 GB of free space when users open an account. After that, users can refer the service to friends and family and receive 500 MB for each referral who joins. Users can also get space by connecting a Facebook account, following Dropbox on Twitter, and more, up to 16 GB of extra storage.
There are Dropbox subscription plans as well for 100 GB, 200 GB and 500 GB capacities costing $9.99, $19.99 and $49.99 per month, respectively. Microsoft's SkyDrive currently offers three annual subscription plans as well: $25 per year for 50 GB of extra storage, $50 per year for 100 GB and $100 per year for 200 GB.
Microsoft was forced to change SkyDrive's name last month thanks to losing its trademark battle with British Sky Broadcasting Group over the "Sky" name. SkyDrive will be renamed as OneDrive and SkyDrive Pro will be renamed as OneDrive for Business.
