📱 2022-04-19 23:17:42 – Paris/France.
When Google launched Nearby Sharing in 2020, Android users everywhere rejoiced. They finally had a tool to rival Apple's AirDrop, an easy way to move files between devices without having to attach them to an email or upload them to Google Drive just to download them again on a new device.
Now, before Google I/O, a few users have noticed a hidden upgrade in Google Play Services that makes Nearby Sharing even easier. The new “self-sharing” mode, spotted by Esper’s Mishaal Rahman (via android font), seems to allow you to send files between your own devices with just one click. The feature has been rumored for months, but now appears to be much closer to being ready.
Nearby Share's "self-sharing" mode will allow you to quickly share files with other devices signed in to the same Google Account without having to approve the sharing.
From what I can see, this hasn't been rolled out yet, but it is present in the latest version of Google Play Services. pic.twitter.com/wdtxoiE2oz
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) April 19, 2022
Until now, Google required the recipient of a share to accept 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 the 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 isn't on your account will still need to accept each share from your device.
Nearby Sharing is an important feature for Google, especially as the Android ecosystem continues to grow across all devices. If Google is going to be inside your phone, laptop, TV, speakers, and smartwatch, it needs to make it easy for users to move things between all of those devices. Apple has continually shown what's possible here, with AirDrop but also with features like Universal Control. However, it can be hard to get it right: For every magical second-screen experience Apple has offered, it's also provided the functionality that lets your AirPods jump from your phone to your laptop at the worst possible times.
But both companies know that a successful ecosystem requires not just doing things, but making them work together, and both seem to be pushing hard towards that goal. (In a perfect world, that would also be cross-platform functionality, but don't hold your breath on that.)
It's not yet clear when the Nearby Sharing update will be released, but with Google I/O slated for May 11, it's probably not far away.
SOURCE: Reviews News
Do not hesitate to share our article on social networks to give us a solid boost. 🤓