Do you or your company use Android OS?
Apple users are almost certainly familiar with the Airdrop feature, which allows content to be shared between two iOS devices that are in close proximity to each other.
Recently, Google announced the rollout of its new 'Nearby Share' feature, which seeks to accomplish the same goal in the Android ecosystem.
If using Android 6+ you can test it
By the time you read these words, the new service should be available to test out if you own a Google Pixel or a Samsung device running Android 6+.
Anytime you'd like to share a file, link, or picture, all you have to do is tap on the new Android Share icon and choose a nearby recipient. That person will be given the option to either accept or decline the file. If the recipient accepts, the feature will then automatically choose whether to use Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), WebRTC, or peer-to-peer WiFi or WiFi Direct to actually share the file.
You may, at your option, choose to send or receive files anonymously. In addition, you can adjust your privacy settings so that your device remains hidden to all Nearby Share users. You can make it so that you are only visible to some or all of your contacts, which is fantastic.
The new feature is slated to be rolled out to more Android smartphones in the weeks ahead. Over the next few months, the new capability will also be coming to the Chromebook.
Our perspective
For the time being, if you and someone you know has a Pixel or one of Samsung's models and you're running Android 6+, give the new feature a try. For many people, we suspect it will become an indispensable method of sharing information with those in close physical proximity. Kudos to Google for taking steps to catch the Android ecosystem up with Apple's.
~ Quote from Ellen Goodman.
“I have never been especially impressed by the heroics of people convinced they are about to change the world.
I am more awed by those who struggle to make one small difference.” ~
By Denis Wilson and Melissa Stockwell
Thanks for reading this short post. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPIA Blogs. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
I'm Denis Wilson, President and Principal Consultant for DWP Information Architects. We build people/process/technology solutions to create better business outcomes for smaller enterprises in Los Angeles. We have created cost-effective office productivity and out-sourced service solutions for over 20 years, focusing principally on manufacturing, professional services, and healthcare. Our hallmarks are cloud and on-premises network reliability, cost-effective cybersecurity, and liveable small business regulatory compliance.
I am also a published author and speaker, working extensively with business and professional associations to provide small business technology education programs. Contact me if you would like me to speak at your association
