Google has been working on a file sharing service since July last year. Originally called Fast Share, the Mountain View giant changed its name to ‘Nearby Share’ in January this year. After beta testing over the past few months, Google has finally begun sharing its AirDrop-like file sharing service – Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and later for Android phones.
Once your device is near shared, you can use this service from your phone’s Quick Settings. A dedicated QS toggle will appear for convenience, which you can easily use nearby share.
Getting started with Near Share is quite simple. The sender chooses the file and decides to share it via Android’s share sheet via a nearby share. The sender’s device will now look for available devices. Devices with visibility will be listed on the sender’s device. The sender can now tap on the receiver’s avatar to initiate the transfer.
Considering the huge userbase, Nearby Share automatically selects the best protocol available – Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, or peer-to-peer WiFi to share files between two devices.
Privacy-related users will be happy to know that adjacent shares support sending and receiving files anonymously. This feature also provides three privacy settings for device visibility, ie All Contacts, Some Contacts, or Hidden. In addition, users will have the option to accept or reject the incoming file.
Google has not limited the surrounding stock to Android phones. Google says that Nearby Share will support Chromebook in the coming months. The company has already taken steps to bring almost sharing to Chrome OS, Windows, Mac, and Linux via Google Chrome.
To begin with, the Pass part will be available on Google’s Pixel lineup and select Samsung devices. The company will introduce this service to more Android phones in the next few weeks.