Nearby Share

Nearby Share is a feature of Google's mobile and desktop operating systems Android and ChromeOS which allows data to be transferred via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Officially released to the general public on August 4, 2020 as the replacement of Android Beam,[1][2] it provides rapid short-range exchange of images, videos, text, contact info, directions, YouTube videos, and other data. According to Google, Nearby Share allows users to reduce the time needed to send content down to simple taps.[2]

Nearby Share
Developer(s)Google LLC
Initial releaseAugust 4, 2020 (2020-08-04)
Operating systemAndroid Marshmallow and later
PlatformAndroid
ChromeOS
PredecessorAndroid Beam
TypeUtility software

Description

Usage

Nearby Share is activated by enabling the feature on both sender and recipient devices. If the content can be sent, a bottom sheet will appear with a list of available contacts to share with. Choosing a contact from the list sends a prompt to the recipient that requires them to confirm the transfer. When the content is sent, both devices will return to the content on their screens closing the bottom sheet which both had open.[2]

Requirements and availability

To use Nearby Share, both devices need Android 6 and above. Google has also launched Nearby Share on Chromebooks and stated Windows will gain support soon via Chrome browser.[2][3]

Options

Nearby Share offers users the option to choose which protocol (defaults to automatic, overridable) among Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi should be used (by asking whether it can use data) and who can see the user's phone in their lists. It offers the options to make the user's device visible to all their contacts, some specific contacts, everyone nearby, or to no one at all.[2]

See also
  • AirDrop, an Apple version for iOS
  • Briar (software), and independent copyleft app for Android
  • Shoutr, a free proprietary Wi-Fi P2P multi-user app for sharing files on Android
  • Wi-Fi Direct, a similar technology
  • Zapya, a free proprietary file transfer over Wi-Fi app

References
  1. Bohn, Dieter (August 4, 2020). "Android's 'Nearby Share' file sharing feature is finally launching". The Verge. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  2. "Instantly share files with people around you with Nearby Share". Google. August 4, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  3. "Share links, photos and more with Nearby Share on Android". YouTube. January 5, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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