You'll never see Apple offer its most popular technologies on Android devices, but that doesn't mean Google can't take some notes and design similar features. Soon, it looks like Google will introduce an AirDrop-like feature to Android.
In a video published by XDA Developers, we're able to see 'Nearby Sharing' in action. There's absolutely no doubt Google observed AirDrop and simply repackaged it.
The test transfers files between a Pixel 4 and a Pixel 2 XL. By opening Nearby Sharing in the quick settings drop-down, XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman revealed how an Android device will scan its surroundings for local hardware. Google will let users decide if Nearby Sharing communicates with all local hardware or only contacts' devices. Further, Nearby Share can be set to operate on only LTE, Wi-Fi, or no data at all. The scan, by the way, should seek local hardware within a one-foot range.
Once the file and recipient are identified, Android completes the transfer instantly. Recipients get a notification that someone wants to share a file, and it's their decision to accept or decline. Transferred files are then stored in a standalone folder.
Here's the full video, courtesy of XDA Developers:
Speed is a priority for Nearby Sharing. XDA Developers tried out a file-transfer including a 3.5GB .img file, and it took around two minutes to complete. That's not bad considering the size of the file. Additionally, Google's earlier iteration, Android Beam, was significantly slower. So there shouldn't be any problem in relying on Nearby Sharing to transfer files.
It doesn't seem that Google will limit availability. Pixel phones could get it first, but ultimately the feature should roll out to all Android devices with Google Mobile Services pre-installed. With such a universal feature, there's an opportunity for the Mountain View-based company to streamline file-sharing on its mobile operating system. Now, it's just a matter of completing testing and getting it out in a stable version.
Similarly, a handful of companies are developing proprietary file-sharing technologies. Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi are all reportedly interested in an AirDrop-like feature to label as exclusive to their smartphones and tablets. In China, these in-house solutions are necessary as Google Mobile Services cannot be pre-installed on Android devices.
The existence of Nearby Sharing would act as a more attractive option elsewhere in the world due to its expected support across all brands.
XDA Develop says the feature feels ready for release. Just minor tweaks are necessary, and then Google could detail its feature set and release date. Maybe it'll surface in February around MWC 2020, or perhaps Google will hold Nearby Sharing until I/O in May. Per usual, we'll all just need to wait and see what happens.
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