Google might finally be able to deliver a viable competitor to Apple’s AirDrop feature for the Android ecosystem.
The technology would enable Android users to share files and photos using a technology that combines both Bluetooth and WiFi. Similar to Apple’s AirDrop.
Google has been testing the feature for a while and has dubbed it Fast Share which would allow phone users nearby to transmit texts, photos to other devices nearby using Bluetooth.
It was earlier this year that Google decided that Android Q would be done with the NFC-based Android Beam sharing feature, which was introduced with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich back in 2011.
As per screenshots posted by XDA Developers and 9to5Google, Fast Share would allow you to share files without an internet connection as well. What's surprising is that the screenshots also includes an iPhone along with a Chromebook and a Google Pixel 3.
This suggests that the feature will also enable file sharing across platforms.
Though multiple publications have spotted the feature online, there is uncertainty whether the feature is usable yet or whether Google has plans to make changes to the feature.
File Sharing test screenshot.
(Photo: XDA Developers)
This could be a good addition to the Android ecosystem as file sharing is an underappreciated feature. Yes, NFC technology has existed till now, but the inconvenience of physically keeping the devices attached is bothersome.
File Sharing could indeed be a game changer when it comes.
Currently, Android is using the latest Bluetooth 5.0 for file sharing in smartphones, which is capable of transferring files with up to 25 mbps speeds.
File Sharing is expected to be much faster than this.
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