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Stream video on your Android device using Dropbox

Dropbox recently rolled out an update adding the ability to stream video on your Android device. Here's how it works.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani

Loading up your device with video files can take up precious storage, as well as take up time while you pick and choose what goes on, what doesn't, and waiting for it to transfer over. With the release of version 2.1.4 of Dropbox for Android, those users who are running Android 4.0 can now stream video files stored in their Dropbox account.

 
Jason Cipriani/CNET

First thing you'll need to do is grab the latest version of Dropbox from the Play Store. After that simply navigate to any video files in your Dropbox account, tapping on the one you want to stream.

If you're on an unlimited data plan, have at it. However, if you're on a tiered data plan, you'll want to limit streaming, opting for a Wi-Fi network when possible. You may also want to pick up some extra Dropbox storage if you're going to be storing longer video files in your account; this post should get you started with free Dropbox upgrades.

Most video formats should be compatible, but if you run into one that isn't, let us know in the comments.