Earlier this year, Google merged Android's Nearby Share feature with Samsung's Quick Share. This new wireless file-sharing system is a lot faster than the previous one, and it is about to get even better, as reported by Android Authority with the help of developer Assemble Debug.
Quick Share can share files even faster via QR codes
Right now, Quick Share works by finding nearby compatible devices through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. However, finding devices can sometimes take a lot of time, particularly when the phones aren't connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Google has developed a way to make connections faster, and that's through QR codes.
The latest beta version of Google Play Services (v24.20.13) introduces QR codes that users can scan to initiate an instant connection for sharing files wirelessly via Quick Share. When sharing files via Quick Share, the user can click the ‘Share With QR Code' option, which generates a QR code. The receiver can then scan the QR code, after which both devices will initiate a connection for file transfer.
You can watch the improved Quick Share feature in our video below.
This new feature isn't live on Android smartphones and tablets but is expected to be released soon. The feature may go live on devices running Android 15 in the future.
The new Quick Share feature is available on Android TV, Chrome OS, and Windows. It is as close as Android users can get to Apple's AirDrop feature for sharing files, text, URLs, and other things.
