Google has officially announced the launch of “Nearby Share with Windows,” a new feature that simplifies file sharing between Windows PCs and Android devices. Initially introduced as a beta version in late March 2023, the app has undergone significant improvements, boasting enhanced performance and new functionalities to streamline file transfers across various devices, including phones, tablets, and Chromebooks.
Nearby Share serves as a viable alternative for non-Apple users who have long envied the convenience of Apple’s AirDrop—a tool enabling seamless file sharing between Apple devices. In 2020, Google unveiled Nearby Share, essentially AirDrop’s rival, but its scope was limited to file transfers between Google products exclusively.
With the official launch of Nearby Share with Windows, users can now effortlessly move files between Windows and Android systems. The beta version of the feature has already garnered impressive popularity, boasting over 1.7 million installations and witnessing more than 50 million files transferred between PC and Android devices since its initial introduction.
One noteworthy enhancement to the app is the addition of an estimated transfer time for files. This feature provides users with a clear understanding of how quickly larger files, such as videos or entire folders, will be shared. Additionally, Google has introduced image previews within device notifications, ensuring users can verify that the correct file is being shared during the transfer process.
Google remains committed to refining the Nearby Share experience, seeking to make sharing between Android devices and PCs even more seamless. In collaboration with partners like HP, Google plans to pre-install the Nearby Share app on select Windows PCs, such as the HP Dragonfly Pro. The tech giant aims to continually enhance Nearby Share for Windows, incorporating new functionalities based on user feedback.
How to Set up and Use Nearby Share for Windows
To use Nearby Share for Windows, users must enable their PC’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions. Once set up, transferring files becomes easy—users can simply drag a file into the app or right-click on it and select the Nearby Share option to initiate the transfer to a nearby device. It’s important to note that the devices involved in the transfer need to be within 16 feet of each other for the process to work seamlessly.
For added convenience, transfers are automatically accepted on the receiving device if the user is logged into the same Google account on both the PC and Android phone, tablet, or Chromebook. Moreover, the app features device visibility settings to prevent spam and unwanted file transfers, ensuring a secure and efficient file-sharing experience.
