Google seems to be working on a new file-sharing tool. The tool will reportedly be called as ‘Fast Share’. It is part of the Nearby service in Google Play Services, and pretty likely seems to be not only an Android Beam replacement but also an Apple AirDrop competitor.
Fast Share on Android can be used to share images and other files on your phone. Fast Share will also allow images, URLs, text, and other files to be shared between nearby Android smartphones without the need to connect to the internet. It’s available from the system share sheet with the feature currently using Google’s blue diamond-shaped Nearby icon. Alternately, the sharing process can be launched by heading to system Settings > Google > Fast Share.
9to5Google reports, “the sighting of a Fast Share feature which is pretty much AirDrop for Android. It uses Bluetooth to detect nearby devices and initiate a connection and then uses Wi-Fi to actually transfer the data. The screenshot shows it can at least detect Chromebooks, iPhones, and smartwatches within range as well.”
The feature seems quite similar to Apple’s AirDrop, but its reliance on Google Play Services may limit its reach and it won’t be as ubiquitous as Android Beam. It is also unclear if Fast Share will require smartphones to be on a specific Android versions.
However, the screenshots in the report point out that the feature is working on an iPhone, Chromebook and more which suggests cross-platform sharing.