Google Nearby Share inches closer to AirDrop with new feature 

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Google’s Nearby Share has provided phenomenal support to Android users that use NFC to share files between devices, and it might just be the closest competitor to Apple’s AirDrop on Android.

Google even officially launched Nearby Share on Windows over a month ago. 

That said, Google’s Nearby Share is not as convenient and seamless as Apple’s AirDrop. However, Google is likely making a move to make it slightly better. 

Google is working to improve Nearby Share 

Recently, a number of Android users noticed Nearby Share targets on Android’s share sheet.

One of those users shared a screenshot with prominent technology journalist and Android expert Mishaal Rahman, who took the liberty of sharing the image on X, formerly Twitter. 

Nearby Share targets may soon start appearing directly in the Android system share sheet! This would save you a tap as you'd be able to select a device to send to without opening the full Nearby Share menu.

In order to reduce clutter in the share sheet, this will likely only… pic.twitter.com/bp9yori0EY

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 16, 2023

As you can see in the image, a few Nearby Share targets are listed on the share sheet, including what looks like a Pixel Tablet and Legion 5 PC. 

The difference is, until now, you had to tap Share >> Tap Nearby Share >> Select from a list of devices >> Tap Send. However, the targets are now appearing on the share sheet, making sharing easier by eliminating a step.

While AirDrop users have to choose an option before they can share with AirDrop-enabled devices on the screen, Nearby Share shows compatible devices as soon as you hit the Share button. 

One might even say this new feature puts Android’s Nearby Share ahead of Apple’s AirDrop. 

Although a number of Android users have reported seeing Nearby Share targets on the screen, Google is yet to roll out the feature widely. But, hopefully, it will roll out to more users soon.

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Editors’ Recommendations:

• Google Nearby Share now lets you send files directly to your PC
• This trick lets you share photos between iPhone, iPad, and Mac faster than AirDrop
• Samsung is working on an AirDrop-like feature that nobody will probably ever use
• Casting media to the Pixel Tablet just got a whole lot easier