Just last month OneDrive storage were left baffled by Microsoft’s decision to limit their cloud storage. That time, the company said that they had implemented these changes primarily because some users were ‘abusing’ the unlimited storage in some of its OneDrive bundles. Put simply, the unlimited storage allowance was to be discontinued while the free storage tier was to come down from 15GB to 5GB. In addition, users who made full use of the ‘camera roll bonus” by auto-uploading photos from their smartphones were supposed to have the 15GB tier allotment removed.
Now, it appears that the Windows maker will revoke the decision with respect to free OneDrive storage offer. As in a statement received by The Verge, a Microsoft Spokesperson said, “We’ve heard clearly from our Windows and OneDrive fans about the frustration and disappointment we have caused. We realize the announcement came across as blaming customers for using our product. For this, we are truly sorry and would like to apologize to the community.”
It’s worth pointing out that the decision comes after users filed a petition asking the company to “give us our storage back.” Hence, it seems these influences have made Microsoft revert their decision to limit cloud storage allowances.
Users be reminded that decisions made regarding unlimited OneDrive storage will remain unchanged, as subscribers with unlimited storage will instead get 1TB when these changes go into effect in 2016. Though, the company will allow its users to opt in to keep their current 15GB of free storage along with the 15GB camera roll bonus – making it 30GB of free space in total. Users who don’t opt in will be missing out as they’ll end up with just 5GB of free storage.
“For customers of our free service who have over 5 GB of content and who are directly impacted by the storage change, we will offer one free year of Office 365 Personal, which includes 1 TB of storage. These customers will receive an email with redemption information early next year. Also, for our biggest fans who have been loyal advocates for OneDrive, we are adding a new offer that lets you keep your current 15 GB of free storage when the changes happen next year. If you also have the 15 GB camera roll bonus, you’ll be able to keep that as well,” said Microsoft’s Group Program Manager for OneDrive, Douglas Pearce.
