Google’s Nearby Share is probably the easiest way to transfer files from one Android device to another. However, unlike its rival AirDrop, Nearby Share has a lot of limitations which makes it less useful than the competition.
However, an upcoming update is expected to add a vital feature dubbed “Self Share” which will make it way easier to share files between your own devices.
The feature was spotted by Mishaal Rahman and he mentions that while the feature hasn’t been rolled out yet, it is present on the latest version of Google Play services which means that Google might introduce it to the users pretty soon.
Nearby Share's "self-share" mode will let you quickly share files to other devices signed into the same Google account without needing to approve the share. This hasn't rolled out yet from what I can see, but it's present in the latest version of Google Play Services. pic.twitter.com/wdtxoiE2ozApril 19, 2022
What is Nearby Share’s Self Share?
Normally, if you’re to transfer a file via Nearby Share from one device to another device, it asks you to confirm if you want to receive the file on the second device. This process is important from a security point of view and stops people from sending files to your device without your permission.
However, this is also applicable in case you want to transfer files between your own devices. This, to be honest, is unnecessary and is time-consuming as well.
What's going to change?
However, with the new update, Google plans to add a new tab under the Device Visibility option which reads Your Devices apart from the existing Everyone and Contacts.
By selecting this new tab, you will be able to share files or content between devices that are logged in with the same Google account. It will skip the approval part of the entire process and the required files will be transferred instantly – similar to how AirDrop on Apple’s devices works.
Since Nearby Share works on Android as well as Chromebooks, you’d be able to transfer files as well as applications without needing to approve the transfer process.
Since Google hasn’t yet revealed anything about the rollout of this feature, it is safe to assume that the company might introduce the same at the Google I/O that is slated to happen next month.
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