After months of waiting and years of development according to Google, Nearby Share for Android is finally official. The feature which allows users to share files to nearby devices in a similar fashion as Apple’s AirDrop was announced today for Android devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and up.
While Android has never had a shortage of super-fast file sharing apps, Nearby Share is a built-in feature that requires no app and the good thing is that it is not manufacturer-specific. This means you can transfer to any Android device as long as it is running Android 6.0 and up.
Nearby Share allows you to share files, photos, and links between devices easily. It will even automatically select the best way to send
Google takes privacy seriously with Nearby Share. When you share files with a device, the information of both the sender and receiver is fully-encrypted. You can also choose which devices can see you. You can allow all devices within range to see you or selected devices under your contacts. You can also choose to stay hidden.
It was also revealed that the feature will be coming to more operating systems starting with Chromebooks in a few months. Thus, allowing Android and Chromebooks to share files between devices.
Starting today, Nearby Share will be available first on select Google Pixel and Samsung devices. Other devices will get the feature in the coming weeks.
UP NEXT: Google sort of announces the Pixel 5 and it is not coming to India
