It is now easier than ever to share content between two Android 6.0 or above devices and eventually Chromebooks too.
After years of hard-work, Google has finally come up with a quick and easy way to share content between two Android devices.
Nearby Share was announced yesterday by Baniel Marcos Schwaycer, a product manager on Android. He described it as “a platform to enable reliable and easy sharing across thousands of Android phone models and billions of people.”
In the past sharing content on Android would mean searching for a contact, attaching a file to a message, and sending it, but Nearby Share is set to change all that.
Nearby Share will be Google’s equivalent of Apple’s AirDrop and after testing it in the past month or so, Nearby Share was rolled out on the 4th of August.
Nearby Share appears as a Quick Settings toggle when sliding the Android notifications shade all the way down. A tap slides up a bottom sheet and enables the ability to accept incoming transfers. This includes text, links, images, videos, and other file types, with Google’s emphasis being on quick sharing.
On the receiving end, you will get a “Device nearby is sharing” notification that you will be able to tap to “become visible”. Users must first “Accept” the transfer, with the file name listed, and a circular indicator around the avatar noting progress. Once received, the file will automatically open — stored in your Downloads folder, or give you the option to copy in the case of text.
The new feature will detect compatible devices nearby. When the users select the recipient, the phone will automatically choose the best way to share the file such as through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for example.
That means Nearby Share will work even when your device is offline. You can also choose to send content anonymously since there are the options to appear as hidden or visible to some or all of your contacts. This feature will also be available on Chromebooks in the coming months.
Nearby Share will be available for Android phones that are running Android 6.0 and above, and also some Google Pixel and Samsung phones will be compatible. Other Android phones will be able to receive the feature in the coming weeks says Google.