We created Nearby Share to make sending content to nearby devices easier, whether it's a photo, link, document, or even a WiFi password. There are numerous ways Nearby Share can assist you throughout the day, some of which you may be unaware of.
I sat down with Alice Zheng, the product lead for Nearby Share, to walk her through some of my most common scenarios to learn more about the technology and how it works.
Can I transfer files between my personal devices?
Yes! In fact, this is one of the most common applications of Nearby Share. Not only can you share files between your devices, but the process is becoming increasingly simple.
We'll release a new update in the coming weeks that will make sharing files on your own Android devices easier using Nearby Share. This means that transfers will be accepted automatically by devices associated with your Google account. This feature will be available on devices running Android 6 and higher over the next few weeks.
Is Nearby Share only available on my phone?
Nope! Nearby Share is compatible with Android phones, tablets, and Chrome OS devices. We're also working hard to bring Nearby Share to the devices you most frequently use and want to share files with, which will include support for more platforms, such as Windows PCs, over time.
Can I still get the funny photo my friend took of me on our hike if my phone doesn't have Internet service?
Absolutely! Nearby Share works even if you do not have Internet access. Uses various connection technologies, including WiFi, NFC, UWB, and WebRTC, to determine the most efficient way for your friends to send you files even when you're not online.
Please send me the files ?.
There are numerous ways to share and receive files, which are entirely up to you. We provide a set of device visibility settings with Nearby Share so you can control your privacy and how you appear to others. Everyone, a subset of your Contacts, or just your own devices, can see your device.
You can enable this mode for Everyone either temporarily or permanently. This means that if you meet someone new and they aren't in your contacts but want a photo from them, you can turn this on, and they will send you a file. Then, your settings will automatically return to the last setting you used. If you have your setting set to Always, we will send you a reminder if you want to change it.
Under Contacts, you can choose whether your device should be visible to all of your saved contacts or only a subset of them. The final option, Your devices, restricts your visibility to other devices linked to your Google account.
Also Read: Android 13 Introduces New Business Features.
Is it okay for me to send files to anyone?
You will be able to share files with visible devices, just as we protect your privacy by giving you control over who can discover you.
Only people in your contact list will see your Google account profile image to protect your privacy. Others will notice a generic device icon next to your selected device name. As a result, you won't have to worry about disclosing your account information as you would when giving directions to a stranger.
But wait, I'm worried that strangers will send inappropriate messages if I leave my device visible to everyone. How can I remain safe?
As previously stated, you can control your visibility settings with the options available in Nearby Share; we also provide other privacy-protecting features. With Nearby Share, we will first show you who is attempting to send you a file and the file name, and then we will show you the actual photo or video after you accept the transfer. So if you're in a public place and receive a share request, you won't have to see a preview of something you don't want to know unless you first accept. And if you've made yourself visible to Everyone, you can turn this off with a single tap and stop receiving sharing requests from people you don't know.
Source: Blog Google