“While Android’s Nearby Sharing works using Wi-Fi, it requires Bluetooth and location settings to be enabled”
Google seems to be working on an AirDrop-like wireless transfer feature, dubbed Nearby Sharing. The feature was spotted within Android OS and would allow users to share files faster than through Bluetooth. However, this isn’t the first time Google is trying its hands on wireless transfer – it introduced Android Beam that worked through NFC but was officially discontinued in Android 10. XDA-Developers has posted a demo video of the Nearby Sharing feature and how quickly it was able to transfer files using Wi-Fi. It is operational between two devices placed within one-foot range and the option is placed within the Quick Settings menu.
While Nearby Sharing works through Wi-Fi, it requires Bluetooth and location to be turned on. One can even disable device visibility so that the smartphone stays hidden from others. Once enabled, it can be accessed from the default sharing menu and there’s also an accept button pushed to the recipient device for receiving files. Mishaal Rahman of XDA-Developers claims the feature worked between Pixel 2 XL and OnePlus 7T Pro, this means it should work on all Android phones and not just limited to the Pixel phones. Let’s hope Google’s Nearby Sharing doesn’t turn out to be another Android Beam.
Apart from Google, Samsung is also reportedly working on a file transfer feature, dubbed Quick Share. The feature would debut alongside the Samsung Galaxy S20 series on February 11th. Xiaomi, Vivo and OPPO had teamed up to unveil a cross-platform wireless transfer. It is called OPPO Share on ColorOS devices and Mi Share on Xiaomi smartphone. The feature is already in the testing phase on devices and will be rolled out to Android 10 devices next month.
