Google is coming with a nearby share feature for Android users.
It will finally be slightly easier to share files, images, links, and other content between Android devices. Google is launching a new Android feature called “Nearby Share” that enables direct sharing between any device running Android 6 and up.
It took 9 years for Google to come up with something as simple as this.
The working of this feature is similar to Apple’s AirDrop. You select the files you want to share through nearby share option and just wait for any nearby devices to connect.
For security, the Nearby Share feature lets you choose your visibility. The users will be given three visibility options including “all”, “some” and “hidden”. If you choose the “all” option, you will be visible to all contacts and users in your area if you switch the Nearby Feature on. If you select “some” you will only be visible to select contacts. Well, if you choose “stay hidden” you will not appear in any Android users’ nearby share.
You don’t require any internet connection to use this feature. Just two Android devices that support this functionality.
Nearby Share works between Android phones and will work with Chromebooks “in the coming months,” but it can’t share to iOS devices, Macs, or Windows machines.
Indeed, they are working to add support to Windows and Mac in the near future.
The icon for Nearby Share looks like a couple of interweaved threads. When it’s available for your phone, you’ll be able to toggle availability on and off with a button in your Quick Settings. Google says it can be added to any Android phone via Google Play Services instead of a full OS update.
Well, Android has been trying to come up with its own version of AirDrop which is simple yet so powerful. Many developers tried creating such a thing but they were not even close to reaching the level of AirDrop. Android market is huge with so many varieties across brands. So a feature that satisfies every Android manufacturer is tough.
Nearby Share looks like the answer to AirDrop finally. If it fails Android users will be stuck once again in sharing files through paid cloud services or mails.