Google Rolls Out 'Nearby Sharing' in Beta

Google's AirDrop-alternative for Android has been rumoured for months. Now Google has finally started rolling out 'Nearby Sharing' in beta.

Android Police first spotted this and confirmed that Nearby Sharing is available on Google via the Play Services beta. This feature was earlier tested on a Pixel 4XL and Pixel 3a running Android 10. When Nearby Sharing would be officially rolled out, Google might make it first available to its Pixel phones.

As per the test run by Android Police, Nearby Sharing appears as an app in the share sheet. It could also appear as a prompt just below the content preview. Nearby Sharing can be used to share different kinds of files like photos, videos, tweets and URLs. After you select Nearby Sharing, you'll have to turn the feature on and make changes like your default device name and visibility. It will show up in the list if there are any devices nearby.

Google allows you to use Nearby Sharing either through your mobile data for small files, or Wi-Fi, or offline sharing. You can also choose to customise your visibility settings by making it either all contacts, some contacts or hidden. The process needs you to make your phone visible for Nearby Sharing to receive files. Once you accept it, the file-sharing will happen. Files like photos and videos will be stored under the 'Downloads' folder on your phone. Android Police also notes that Nearby Sharing requires both parties' consent for the feature to work.

Nearby Sharing is currently being tested in beta, so not all users will be able to access it. There's no confirmation on when Google will roll out to all Android users. Tags: Google, Nearby Sharing