Cloud storage and file-sharing service Dropbox has announced an update to its iOS app that adds three handy features for iPhone and iPad users. Starting in version 3.9, available right now, users can see their recently accessed files and ask for feedback and start discussions about files. The third new feature, the ability to create Microsoft office documents on the go, will roll out in the coming weeks.

Recents tab: All the items that you have viewed, renamed, uploaded or edited recently will be the new home view on your iPhone or iPad. The items that you access most often will now be readily available upfront.

Commenting: Dropbox announced on April 28 the functionality around adding comments to files via the Dropbox website in order to gather feedback from colleagues and have discussions related to a specific document. This functionality is now available on iPhone and iPad allowing you to have discussions and add comments whilst you are on the move. Get notified when someone mentions you in a comment or when people comment in one of your existing conversations.

Creating docs: Directly from the Dropbox iPhone or iPad app users will be able to create Microsoft office docs, allowing you to carry on with a project without being in front of your computer. The Word, Excel or PowerPoint file that you create on your iPhone or iPad will be accessible from the web or any of your other devices. Last month, Microsoft and Dropbox announced the integration between Dropbox on the web and Office Online.

Individually these tools will make your life easier, whether you are planning a holiday, running a project or looking for a new house. However, Dropbox is most excited about how these three new tools will work together:

“The best part, though, is how these features work together. For example, when you’re meeting with a client to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming project, you can use the Recents tab on your iPhone or iPad to quickly pull up your last project for reference. Then you can create a Word doc to take notes as you discuss. After the meeting, you can @mention your client in a comment, so they have the notes and can add anything you’ve missed. Then when you get back to your desk, you can turn that Word doc into a full project plan.”

The new 3.9 update to Dropbox on iOS is now available for download while the Creating docs functionality will roll out in the next few weeks.

Photo: Marcus Wohlsen/WIRED