Despite the clear differences iOS and Android, in terms of features, they are quite similar. Especially clearly, this similarity has begun to manifest itself recently, when then Apple, then Google began to spy on each other's certain functions and implement them at home. I think if you randomly take a dozen innovations that appeared in iOS and Android, with a high degree of probability they will be copied – or, so be it, spied – from a competitor. Therefore, when Google decided to implement an analogue of AirDrop, no one was particularly surprised at this.
Nearby Sharing started to appear gradually among users Android
Google has begun to officially roll out Nearby Sharing to users Android. Unlike Samsung, which made Quick Share (another AirDrop analog for Android) available only on new devices, Google decided not to impose such strict restrictions, releasing the innovation as part of the Google Play Services update. Thus, owners of smartphones and tablets based on earlier versions Android will be able to access Nearby Sharing, and not only Android 10 and Android 11, which is already under beta test.
How Nearby Sharing works
Users Android will now have their own AirDrop. Finally
Nearby Sharing works exactly the same way as AirDrop. The technology uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols, combining them and thereby achieving high data transfer rates, provided that the transmitter and receiver devices are close to each other. Thus, photos are transferred almost instantly, and videos weighing up to one gigabyte – in less than a minute. At the same time, an Internet connection is not required for Nearby Sharing to work.
The Nearby Sharing update comes with Google Play Services with build number v20.24.13. It spreads gradually, and therefore may not be available to you. To check if an update has arrived or not, go to Google Play – 'My Apps & Games' and check for updates. If there is nothing and you are eager to try the new feature, you can install the Google Play Services APK file by downloading it from this link. However, remember that it may be unsafe and you perform all actions at your own peril and risk.
How to transfer files to Android
The easiest way to enable Nearby Sharing is via the Share menu:
- Go to Google Chrome – context menu – downloaded files;
- Select any file from the downloaded list and click on the three vertical dots next to it;
Nearby Sharing works in much the same way as AirDrop, just a little more convenient
- In the window that opens, find a new icon named Nearby Sharing and click on it;
- Select a compatible device from the list of available and confirm the transfer.
It is logical that at the initial stage there will not be many Nearby Sharing devices. Not only does it need to have the appropriate build of Google Play Services, but it also has to support the included modules Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Therefore, do not be surprised if you cannot immediately exchange files with someone over a wireless connection. Moreover, we cannot yet know whether the launch of Nearby Sharing is a mass phenomenon or is it still a point one, aimed at testing and debugging the technology.