Google has extended its Apple AirDrop-inspired Nearby Share to Windows PCs. With the new dedicated desktop app, users can now share files between Windows PCs and Android devices seamlessly. Nearby Share was launched by Google in 2020 as a fast and simple way to share files across devices and with friends who are close by. The feature already exists on Chromebooks.
The new dedicated desktop app will help thousands of users who own an Android phone and a Windows laptop/ desktop. Nearby Share also aims to solve the hassle of transferring files, such as photos or videos, from a phone to a PC or vice versa via a cable. By extending the feature, Google and Microsoft will also hope to retain more users in their ecosystems. Until a few years ago (even now), Apple was a leader in providing seamless connectivity between its devices. Since Apple uses proprietary software and processors, it is easier for its devices such as the iPhone, Macbook and Airpod to interact with each other so that the user does not have to establish connections via Bluetooth manually.
In a blog post, Google notes, “As a beta, Nearby Share for Windows PCs supports sharing content with Android smartphones and tablets. As we continue to fine-tune the experience and receive your feedback, we’ll expand official support to share content with other Google ecosystem devices. Whether it’s sharing a photo, link or document, there are many ways Nearby Share can help you throughout your day. Today, Nearby Share Beta for Windows is rolling out in the US and select regions globally.”
How to download Nearby Share on Windows PC and share files?
To try the feature, head to Android’s official website and search for Nearby Share. Select the first option and click on “get started.” Google notes that the system needs to be running on a 64-bit version of Windows 10 and above. ARM devices are not supported. As expected, the PC needs to have in-built Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.
Once you download the app, log in with your Gmail ID and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on the PC. You can set a preference for sharing — receive from everyone, receive from contacts, receive from your devices, and the device is hidden.
To share files from the PC to an Android device, open the Nearby Share app on the desktop and drop files. From Android to PC, select the file and share it via Nearby Share. The desktop app also lets you change the download folder, which could be useful.
The Nearby Share desktop app is available to use in India and India Today Tech also got hands it. Since the app is still in beta, the transfer time for a 2MB file was around 1 minute, which is terrible. Google and Windows may improve the experience after getting feedback from testers.