The web is already filled with lots of cloud-based file storage and file sharing services but most of these services would require you to install a desktop app or software. Now, what if you just want to share some photos or free e-books to your online friends? Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just use a simple web-based service such as OneTimeBox?

What is it and what does it do

Main Functionality

What is OneTimeBox? Well, it is basically a web-based file sharing service that lets you and your friends upload and share various types of files in a single web folder. In other words, this web app gives you the freedom to upload and share files without the hassle of installing any application or software. Compared to other file sharing services, you can use OneTimeBox without the need to log-in or register. It also gives the same level of control to all users. So it doesn’t matter if you are the one who created the web folder because you and your friends will have equal rights to download, view, upload, share and delete the files that were stored in that web folder.

Pros

• Easy, fast and convenient
• Great for quick and simple file sharing – just copy and share the link of your live web folder to your friends and that’s it!
• You can upload and share unlimited files of all sorts such as your photos, documents, e-books, videos, PDF files, ZIP and RAR files, APK files and a whole lot more
• No user log-in or registration required, no need to download or install any software or application
• Gives all users the same level of control – all users can view, download, upload, share and delete files
• 1GB filesize limit and 1 week box (live web folder) lifetime
• Disposable – each live web folder that you create is good for single-use

Cons

• Doesn’t let you preview the file without downloading it to your computer
• It would be nice if you can secure a web folder with a password – this could be useful especially if you do not want other people (aside from your friends) to view the contents of your live web folder
• You cannot increase your live web folder’s file size limit to more than 1GB
• You cannot pause or cancel your ongoing file uploads

Discussion

OneTimeBox is great for instances wherein you and your friends would like exchange some random files or photos. For example, you made a simple artwork and you want to share it to your friends and in return, they will also share the artwork that they created. So instead of exchanging these files via Facebook, Line or Skype, you can just upload your artwork to your OneTimeBox live web folder. You then share the link of that folder to your friends so that they could also upload and share their artworks.

Apparently, this web app is meant to provide a quick and easy way to share files without having to download or install any software or application. Besides, each live web folder can only stay in the web app’s database for a limited period of time, one week to be exact. So each “box” or live web folder is considered as disposable but it can store a wide variety of files. As a matter of fact, the number of files that you can upload in your live web folder is unlimited. The file size limit that is allotted for each file is 1GB.

To get started, the first thing that you need to do is to create your live web folder. You can do this by going to the web app’s homepage then click the button that states “Create Your Box”. After this, simply drag and drop the files that you want to upload and then wait until they show up in your list of uploaded files. Once done, you simply copy and share the link for your live web folder. You are free to share it to your friends or contacts via IM, SNS or e-mail.

Now, here comes the good part. The web app gives equal rights to its live web folder users. This means that even if you are the one who created the folder, your friends will have the same level of user control. They can even delete the files that you have uploaded. This may not be good when it comes to sharing important documents but if you are just planning to exchange random images with your friends without worrying much about your privacy, this web app can definitely do the work. Even so, it could have been nice if there’s an option wherein you can set a password for your live web folder. This way, you can somehow prevent those unauthorized users (those who managed to get the link without your permission) from viewing the files that you have stored inside your live web folder.

When using this service, do keep in mind that you cannot pause or cancel your ongoing uploads. It also doesn’t allow you to preview the file before download.

Conclusion and download link

When it comes to online file sharing, OneTimeBox doesn’t focus much on protecting the privacy of its users. Instead, it focuses on providing a quick and easy method for casual file sharing. As such, I do not suggest that you use it to share your important documents and photos. As for those who are simply looking for a hassle-free way to share their less important files with a group of friends or subscribers, this web app is worth checking out.

Price: Free

Version reviewed: N/A

Requires: Works on all major types of web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, IE, etc. on all desktop platforms (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, Mac OS X, Linux)

OneTimeBox homepage