Google has launched a testing version of Nearby Share for Windows that allows users to share files, links, photos, and documents between Android devices and Windows PCs using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Google had made an announcement earlier during CES 2022 about their plans to release such a software, and they have now fulfilled their promise by launching the app. It serves as an alternative to Apple's AirDrop feature that only runs on Apple devices.
In order to use Nearby Share, you must first download and install the app on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC , and configure the device visibility. It is worth noting that the app is compatible with Windows 10 and later, but it does not currently support ARM-based devices. The user has the option to select sharing permissions, such as allowing everyone to share, restricting sharing to only their contacts, or limiting sharing to their own devices.
Nearby Share Windows app allows users to use drag and drop for sending the files. If the user has logged in to the same Google account on both the Android device and the Windows system, the file transfer process is substantially quicker, and files will be received and transferred automatically. Notably, this feature works even if the phone or laptop screen is switched off.
To transfer a file from your PC to your Android device, simply drag the file to the application window or select the "Send using Nearby Share" option from the context menu. Conversely, to send a file from your Android device to your PC, you must first open the Nearby Share feature in the quick access panel, and then choose the desired PC from the list of available devices.
Currently, the testing for Nearby Share on Windows is only available in the United States and some other regions. However, many European countries do not have access to it yet. According to the official website, users from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Donbass, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are currently unable to access this feature.
Source: blog.google
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