When Google launched Nearby Share in 2020, Android users everywhere rejoiced. Finally, they had a tool to rival Apple’s AirDrop, a simple way to move files between devices without having to email them or upload them to Google Drive just to download them back to a new device.
Now, before Google I / O, several users have noticed an upgrade that is hidden in Google Play services, which makes sharing nearby even easier. The new “self-sharing” mode, as noted by Esper’s Mishaal Rahman (via Android Police), seems to allow you to send files between your own devices with one touch. The feature has been talked about for months, but now it seems to be much closer to readiness.
Nearby Share’s “self-sharing” mode will allow you to quickly share files on other devices signed in to the same Google Account without having to approve sharing.
This has not yet been released, as far as I can see, but is present in the latest version of Google Play Services. pic.twitter.com/wdtxoiE2oz
– @MishaalRahman (@MishaalRahman) April 19, 2022
So far, Google has required the recipient to share it, which is a very good idea for security and trolling reasons, but an annoying extra step when all you want to do is send a photo from your phone to your laptop in the other room. The new seamless sharing only works for devices that have nearby sharing enabled, are physically close to you, and are signed in to your Google Account. Anyone else who is not in your account will still need to accept any sharing from your device.
Nearby sharing is an important feature for Google, especially as the Android ecosystem continues to expand between devices. If Google is going to be in your phone, laptop, TV, speakers and smart watch, it should make it easier for users to move things between all these devices. Apple is constantly showing what is possible here, with AirDrop, but also with features like Universal Control. However, it can be difficult to fix something: for every magical second-screen experience Apple offers, it also delivers a feature that makes your AirPods switch from your phone to your laptop at the worst possible time.
But both companies know that a successful ecosystem requires not just doing things, but also getting themselves to work together, and they both seem to be working hard on that goal. (In a perfect world, these would also be features for different platforms, but don’t hold your breath about it.)
It’s not yet known when the Nearby Share update will be released, but since Google I / O is scheduled to launch on May 11, it’s probably not far off.
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