Google’s Quick Share levels up with this handy AirDrop feature – Android Police

Google has made several improvements to Quick Share over the last couple of years. Besides the name change from Nearby Share to Quick Share, the feature shows the shareable targets directly in the share sheet. In October 2024, Google was also spotted working on a toggle to allow Quick Share to use mobile data for sharing files, a feature that was axed during the Nearby Share to Quick Share transition. Five months later, Google is making this Quick Share feature official with the latest Google Play services update.It shouldn’t be so frustrating to share filesCurrently, Quick Share transfer will fail or stop if the two devices lose direct connection. However, the latest Google Play services build changes this, ensuring your Quick Share transfers will use mobile data or Wi-Fi to continue the file transfer. It is unclear if Google will also allow you to pause a file transfer over mobile data or Wi-Fi and resume it later over a direct connection.Apple added a similar feature to AirDrop with iOS 17 in 2023. Even Samsung’s version of Quick Share includes this functionality, though it is limited to Galaxy devices.Do note that without a direct connection and depending on the file size, Quick Share file transfers can take much longer to complete. You should also avoid relying on mobile data for large file transfers if you have a limited plan. It is also best to avoid using this option on a slow Wi-Fi connection, instead relying on a direct connection for faster transfers.This Quick Share update is rolling out with Google Play Services v25.04. However, Google typically takes weeks to release such updates, so don’t expect this feature to show up on your device anytime soon.The newest Google Play services build also makes it easier to manage your family group by adding a new Family Link option in Google settings on your phone. You can find the full release notes of Google Play services v25.04 below:Account ManagementDeveloper ServicesDevice ConnectivityUtilitiesWith QR code support and now the ability to continue file sharing over mobile data or Wi-Fi, Google finally seems to be making Quick Share the AirDrop alternative Android users have been waiting for.We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.Your comment has not been savedAwesome. Now, could they expand it a little farther to allow us to use WiFi & cellular to initiate the share? Aka be able to share a file(s) with someone not physically nearby…Have it generate a link, similar to the QR code. I send it via IM, email etc & if clicked it links our devices. Or if they’re in my contacts they could potentially make themselves visible and it’s still see them in my share list even if they’re not found locally.Obviously there are other means to share files. But there’s no harm in adding another. Having it essentially built into every Android & Chrome device can be helpful. Our phones aren’t replacing our computers just yetGoogle doesn’t feel like marketing Android anymoreOr are you stuck in upgrade limbo?Material You has yet to live up to its full potentialAndroid 15 brings more than just minor upgradesOr is the magic gone for good?

Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/googles-quick-share-levels-up-with-this-handy-airdrop-feature/