Tag: Quick Share

  • Xiaomi Quick Share: Android AirDrop Support Now Available

    Xiaomi Quick Share: Android AirDrop Support Now Available

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi now supports AirDrop via Quick Share on select phones, starting with the Xiaomi 17T Pro.
    – Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones received this update earlier in the year.
    – Google is expanding Quick Share to more Android brands, including expected support from Honor and OnePlus.
    – This update reduces the feature gap between Android and iOS, making cross-platform file sharing easier.
    – By 2026, with RCS and Quick Share improvements, Android no longer forces major compromises in sharing or communication with iPhone users.


    Xiaomi Finally Jumps on the Quick Share Bandwagon

    Xiaomi has joinned the list of Android brands that now support AirDrop over Quick Share. Thier announcement was made on X earlier today. Now users on select Xiaomi phones will be able to share files with iPhone users using Android’s Quick Share tool. Select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones actually recieved this update earlier in the year.

    AirDrop Was Always a Big Deal

    AirDrop has long been a differentiating feature between Android and iPhones, allowing iPhone users to share files (often photos) and contacts quickly and easely. Even though third-party services existed to give Android phones this functionality, it was with mixed success. Google have been working on bridging the gap between both ecosystems with a more durable system, and the company seems to have finially made it work.

    Which Xiaomi Phones Will Get It First?

    Earlier this year, phones like the Google Pixel 10 series gained access to AirDrop, wich was followed by the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Now Xiaomi is getting in on the fun, though the company only highlites the Xiaomi 17T Pro as its AirDrop-capable phone. More phones, likely flagship models, can be expected to get access to the feature in the comming weeks, and it is just as likely that new models will support it out of the box.

    Google’s Big Integration Push

    Google has been making steps toward integrating iOS and Android more closely over the past few years. With Android 17 comes increased functionality, which includes a more complete data transfer system allowing users to switch from iPhones to Android with as much ease as an iPhone-to-iPhone switch, at leest on paper anyway.

    More Brands to Follow

    Google also teased that more Android brands would be working to bring AirDrop support to Quick Share. Xiaomi is obviously one of them, but we also expect phones from Honor and OnePlus, among others, to eventualy join the party as well.

    The End of Compromises

    Choosing an Android over an iPhone in the past often meant users would have to make sacrifices when sharing and communicating, with iPhone users benefiting from iMessage and AirDrop support. As Google has built out its RCS platform and done good work with its migration tool and the Quick Share updates as well, that is no longer the case in 2026.

    Xiaomi (X)

    Sources
  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Introduces AirDrop Support for Quick Share

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Introduces AirDrop Support for Quick Share

    Key Takeaways

    1. AirDrop support is coming to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 lineup, enhancing content sharing across devices.
    2. This feature is a software update, not a new hardware addition, focusing on ecosystem integration for users.
    3. The rollout starts on March 23 in Korea, with plans to expand to other regions, but availability may vary by market.
    4. Currently, only the Galaxy S26 series will support this feature, with future device compatibility to be announced later.
    5. The Galaxy S26 series will serve as a testing ground for the new Quick Share functionality, potentially leading to broader support in the future.


    Samsung has revealed that AirDrop support is coming to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 lineup, offering a fresh method for its flagship devices to share content across different devices. In an announcement made on March 23, Samsung confirmed that this feature will initially be available for the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

    Software Update vs. Hardware Feature

    While this change is described as a software update rather than a new hardware addition, it provides the Galaxy S26 series with an extra selling point focused on ecosystem integration. Quick Share has been Samsung’s primary solution for transferring files between devices, and the inclusion of AirDrop support enhances this compatibility for users who frequently switch between platforms. However, Samsung’s announcement primarily highlights the rollout process and does not delve into the technical workings of the feature.

    Global Rollout Details

    Samsung states that the rollout will commence on March 23 in Korea, with plans to extend availability to other areas such as Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. The company also cautions that the timing might differ by market, so the feature may not be accessible everywhere simultaneously.

    This staggered launch is common for Samsung’s software updates, particularly when new features are being introduced in various regions. For Galaxy S26 users outside of Korea, this announcement is significant as it signals that broader availability is on the horizon, even if the feature isn’t available in their location immediately.

    Future Device Support

    Currently, Samsung is restricting this feature to the Galaxy S26 family. The company has indicated that support for additional Galaxy devices will be disclosed later, but no specific timeline or comprehensive list of devices has been provided yet.

    Thus, the Galaxy S26 series serves as the initial testing ground for the new Quick Share functionality. If the rollout proceeds without issues, this update could evolve into a more substantial ecosystem feature for a larger segment of Samsung’s mobile devices in the future months.

     

  • Google Expands AirDrop Support to More Pixel Phones, But Not All

    Google Expands AirDrop Support to More Pixel Phones, But Not All

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google has expanded AirDrop support to older Pixel 9 models.
    2. The feature was initially available only on the Pixel 10 series.
    3. AirDrop functionality will roll out in phases over the next few weeks.
    4. The Pixel 9a is not included in this update.
    5. There is no information on support for older Tensor-powered Pixel devices.


    Google recently rolled out AirDrop support through Quick Share for additional Pixel smartphones. To summarize, this feature first appeared in November, but it was limited to the Pixel 10 series, which includes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (currently priced at $1,749.99 on Amazon).

    Expanding Compatibility

    Now, Google has announced that it will extend AirDrop functionality to older Pixel 9 models. This includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The AirDrop feature is expected to function in the same way as it does on the Pixel 10 series, and you can check out more about it in the video below.

    Rollout Timeline

    However, this new feature won’t be available immediately. Instead, Google has indicated that it plans to roll out support in phases over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, they have not shared any detailed timeline for this rollout. Strangely, the Pixel 9a has been left out of this update. Moreover, the company hasn’t mentioned whether older Tensor-powered Pixel devices will get similar support anytime soon.

    Made by Google

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  • Qualcomm Announces Quick Share for Snapdragon Devices Coming Soon

    Qualcomm Announces Quick Share for Snapdragon Devices Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pixel 10 and its family are the first Android phones to share files with iPhones using Quick Share.
    2. Qualcomm confirmed that Snapdragon-powered devices will soon support Quick Share.
    3. The feature is expected to expand beyond Tensor-powered devices to other Android smartphones.
    4. MediaTek and Samsung have not commented yet, but the feature may also come to their devices.
    5. Quick Share might be available on other gadgets like tablets and Chromebooks in the future.


    The Pixel 10 and its family are the first Android phones that can share files with iPhones through Quick Share. Google has mentioned that it is planning to extend this feature to more Android smartphones. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has verified that Snapdragon-powered devices will also get this capability.

    Snapdragon’s Announcement

    This confirmation was shared by the official Snapdragon account on X. They referenced a post from the Android account that introduced the feature. The Snapdragon post expressed excitement, saying, “Can’t wait for people to use this once enabled on Snapdragon in the near future.”

    Wider Availability

    The announcement indicates that this feature won’t just be limited to Tensor-powered devices like the Pixel 10, which you can find on Amazon for $599. It also suggests that we can expect this feature to come to other smartphones soon. While MediaTek and Samsung haven’t made any comments yet, the feature should also be rolling out to devices with MediaTek and Exynos chips.

    Future Prospects

    Besides smartphones, there’s a chance that this feature might soon be available on other gadgets like tablets and Chromebooks, since those devices also support Quick Share.

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  • Pixel 10 Series Update: Share Files Easily with Apple Users

    Pixel 10 Series Update: Share Files Easily with Apple Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google has introduced a feature allowing Pixel and iPhone users to transfer files easily using AirDrop and Quick Share.
    2. The Quick Share feature now works with AirDrop, enabling file sharing between Pixel 10 series and Apple devices.
    3. Users can share files without needing third-party apps or additional software installations.
    4. The feature requires iPhones to have AirDrop visibility set to ‘Everyone for 10 minutes’ for easy detection and transfers.
    5. Google emphasizes security and privacy with a layered security framework for cross-platform file sharing.


    Google has dropped a surprising update that allows users of Pixel and iPhone to transfer files easily using AirDrop and Quick Share. This new feature means that users can skip third-party apps and Bluetooth transfers, making the whole process simpler and more secure. It also works both ways without needing any extra software to be installed.

    Quick Share Meets AirDrop

    According to a recent blog post, Google has enabled the Quick Share feature to work alongside AirDrop. Up until now, Quick Share was Android’s method for quickly sharing files between two Android devices, while AirDrop had been a unique feature for iPhone, iPad, and MacBook users. Now, with this new partnership, owners of the Pixel 10 series can use Quick Share to send files to users with Apple devices that support AirDrop.

    Easy File Transfers

    As illustrated in the animation, the Quick Share menu will detect nearby iPhones that have AirDrop activated, provided their visibility is set to ‘Everyone for 10 minutes’, allowing for easy file transfers. Likewise, iPhone users or any Apple device that utilizes AirDrop can access the AirDrop menu to share files with Pixel 10 devices that are close by. Google announced that this feature is being rolled out today (November 20) for the Pixel 10 series, with plans to extend it to more Android devices soon.

    Privacy and Security Measures

    Google emphasizes that sharing across platforms comes with privacy and security measures integrated as part of its “secure by design” strategy. This involves a layered security framework that includes a secure sharing channel, built-in protections specific to Android and iOS, along with user approval systems to enhance security.

     

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  • Quick Share for iPhone and Mac: Upcoming Expansion by Google

    Quick Share for iPhone and Mac: Upcoming Expansion by Google

    Sharing files between Android and iPhones may soon be simpler. Android specialist Mishaal Rahman has discovered a hint that suggests Google might be working on bringing its Quick Share file-sharing feature to iOS and macOS.

    Quick Share’s Popularity

    Quick Share is already well-liked among users of Android devices, Chromebooks, and Windows computers, as it allows for easy file transfers over a secure local network. However, the lack of this feature on Apple’s platforms has been a major issue for users who navigate between both operating systems.

    API Update Indicates Potential Expansion

    This situation could change shortly. Quick Share, which was formerly known as Nearby Share, relies on Google’s Nearby Connections API, a peer-to-peer networking system. This open-source API is accessible on GitHub, enabling users to monitor any updates Google makes to it. As per Rahman, a recent bug fix in the API suggests that an iOS version could be on the way.

    A note in Google’s Nearby repository discusses how the app identifies device names, specifically for iOS and macOS. It mentions, “For iOS and macOS, the device name is already localized and generally works well for Quick Share purposes… avoid using the non-localized account name and device type concatenation.”

    Speculation Around Integration Challenges

    While this statement doesn’t verify the existence of a Quick Share app for iOS or macOS, it does raise questions. Google might be setting the stage for future growth or could even be crafting a solid plan for merging with Apple devices. However, merging Quick Share into Apple’s tightly regulated environment could present hurdles. Google may encounter challenges with the App Store’s rules and Apple’s rigorous privacy standards. It’s still unclear if Google will aim for a standalone app or incorporate Quick Share into existing services like Google Drive or Chrome.

    Although seamless file sharing might appear straightforward, if Quick Share is implemented, it could provide a fast and easy way to transfer files across different platforms, bypassing less convenient methods like cloud storage. Historically, Google has been more open to cross-platform collaboration compared to Apple. If a connection between these two technology leaders is established, it’s likely that Google will take the forefront.

    OnePlus Takes a Step Forward

    Interestingly, OnePlus has already initiated actions in this direction. Their newest software update, OxygenOS 15, features a “Share with iPhone” option through a specific iOS app. While Rahman mentions that some users are reluctant to download yet another app, the ease of transferring files between Android and iPhone could outweigh this hesitation.

    Ultimately, only time will tell if Google officially introduces Quick Share to iOS and macOS. Even though the change in code brings some hope, it’s prudent to keep expectations in check until there’s an official statement.

  • WhatsApp tests new file sharing feature akin to Android’s Quick Share.

    WhatsApp tests new file sharing feature akin to Android’s Quick Share.

    WhatsApp Unveils New Feature for Bluetooth File Sharing

    Effortless Sharing of Files

    The latest addition to WhatsApp allows users to seamlessly share files of up to 2GB via Bluetooth. This functionality eliminates the necessity for an internet connection, streamlining the process of transferring files.

    Operational Procedure

    • Both individuals must be within the "Share Files" segment.
    • To commence the transfer, simply shake your respective devices.

    Emphasis on Privacy and Security

    • The implementation of end-to-end encryption guarantees privacy.
    • Throughout the transfer, the concealment of phone numbers is maintained.

    Contrasting Attributes with Google and Samsung’s Quick Share

    • Unlike Google and Samsung’s Quick Share, which utilizes Bluetooth alongside another Bluetooth feature.
    • The potential advantage lies in WhatsApp’s feature being accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.

    Final Remarks

    WhatsApp’s integration of Bluetooth file sharing presents users with a swift and user-friendly method for file exchanges, potentially augmenting the overall file transfer experience for WhatsApp’s user base.