Google debuted the Nearby Share feature two years ago. It is Google's take on Apple's popular file-sharing feature called AirDrop. While the feature was barebones in the past, according to a new official post, Google has added a slew of features to Nearby Share as a part of a major upgrade.
Nearby Share is getting a new feature called Self Share. As the name suggests, it makes transferring files between your computer and other devices hassle-free. The Self Share feature makes it easier to transfer files between personal devices, such as your Android phone and your Chromebook, easier.
Nearby Share gets better with Self Share
Once you have enabled the Nearby Share's Self Share feature, the file transfer will be accepted from your personal devices, even if the screen is turned off. The feature will be available to all Nearby Share users in the coming days. Google also highlighted the availability of the ‘Emojify' feature for the Gboard keyboard's beta version. You will now see emoji suggestions as you type. Google plans to release new seasonal emoji mashups called the Emoji Kitchen as stickers.
Google Drive and Google Keep are getting better widgets for tablets
Google has also revamped widgets for Google Drive and Google Keep on Android tablets. The updated version of the Google Drive app brings three new home screen buttons, allowing you to quickly access Docs, Slides, and Google Sheets. The Google Keep's widget and font size have also been increased. These features are now available on Samsung's Galaxy tablets.
You can now also add a Bitmoji to your Wear OS watch face. This feature is only available for smartwatches running Wear OS 3 (or newer), and the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5 are getting access to it.
New accessibility features are incoming
There are new accessibility tools for sound alerts and audio descriptions as well that will allow people with hearing disabilities to train and record specific household sounds, such as beeping appliances, door knocks, etc. They will receive the alerts on their phones so that they can take necessary actions. Google has added a separate section for audio descriptions on Google TV, which will describe the visual content in real-time, making content consumption much easier for people with low vision or blindness.
