Will Google’s Nearby Share Have Anything Transformative to Offer?

Google will soon roll out its file sharing platform, Nearby Share, for Android and Chrome devices. The feature promises to make file sharing hassle-free, secure, and much faster for its users. 

After iOS users enjoyed Apple’s AirDrop for the last 9 years, comes Google’s very own – Nearby Share. The feature comes nearly a decade after Apple launched AirDrop for its users in 2011.

Files, documents, or links sharing between Android devices can be an extremely tedious process. Currently, android file sharing is either conducted through cloud services, emails, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), or USB. However, these methods either consume time or become complicated. Promising to reduce the complexities, Google has rolled out its version of fast and secure file sharing between Android devices, called Nearby ShareOpens a new window , through Google Play. In the past, the company had developed a predecessor to Nearby Share named Android Beam. However, it was terminated as quickly as it was launched. 

Nearby Share will be compatible with all Android 6.0+ devices. The feature is already available on select Google Pixel and Samsung devices.

The Promise of Secure and Faster File Sharing

Nearby Share eliminates tedious steps of contact search, file selection, and share. With Nearby Share, users can skip a third-party file-sharing app and the hassle of locating the right file on their device.

Instead, the platform notifies the receiver within close proximity of the sender and automatically chooses the best protocol for fast and easy sharing, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, or peer-to-peer WiFi. While users will have to turn on Bluetooth and location for file transfer, they’ll be able to share data even when they are offline.

Since data security is of paramount importance, Google has taken extra caution to transfer files securely. Nearby Share allows users to send and receive files anonymously without worrying about exchanging contact information. Moreover, users also have the option to remain hidden, visible only to few contacts, or visible to all contacts, so that they do not receive files on their phone without prior permission.

Eventually, in the coming months, this feature will be available on Chromebooks for easy file sharing between an Android phone and a Chromebook.

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