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Leaked video shows Google’s upcoming AirDrop clone in action

Published Jan 24th, 2020 10:40PM EST
iPhone Vs Android
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Just when we thought we knew everything there was to know about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S20, a new nugget of information has emerged. As we detailed earlier today, Samsung has been working on a new feature dubbed Quick Share that will allow Galaxy users to quickly and seamlessly transfer files between devices. Quick Share is effectively Samsung’s version of AirDrop, long one of the best — and somewhat underutilized — iPhone features.

While wirelessly sharing files may not seem groundbreaking, anyone who has used AirDrop can attest to the feature’s brilliance. The ability to share files without an internet connection is nice, and the ability to share hundreds of photos — or even a number of large video files — in just a few seconds time is an absolute game-changer.

Samsung, though, isn’t the only company working on an AirDrop clone. Google has also been working on a similar feature it calls Nearby Sharing. Nearby Sharing is still a work in progress, but a video making the rounds today shows the feature being used to transfer data between a Pixel 2 XL and a Pixel 4:

Similar to Apple’s implementation, Android users can select to have their device visible to all nearby users or only to select individuals from their contact list. Of course, users can opt to have their device completely hidden if they so choose.

Google’s implementation looks pretty slick and appears to be rather straightforward. From a usability standpoint, the Nearby Sharing feature looks quite similar to what iPhone users have been enjoying for years.

There’s no indication as to when Google will officially unveil Nearby Sharing, but given how well the prototype software worked in the video above, there’s a good chance we’ll hear about it at the company’s annual I/O developers conference later this year.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.