A few days ago, it was revealed that Google could merge its Nearby Share file-sharing feature with Samsung's Quick Share. Now, Google has made it official. Google's Nearby Share has been merged into Samsung's Quick Share, which has now become the default file-sharing system for Android.
You don't need to dabble with two file-sharing systems anymore.
Google-Samsung collaboration makes Quick Share Android's default file-sharing system
During the ongoing CES 2024 expo in Las Vegas, USA, Google made a few announcements related to Android. One such announcement was the rebranding and merging of Nearby Share, which was the default file-sharing system for Android (phones and tablets) and Chrome OS devices.
Nearby Share has been merged with Samsung's Quick Share file-sharing system. It means the newer version of Quick Share will be the default file-sharing system on all Android and Chrome OS devices. The new feature, which now has a new logo, will start rolling out next month, according to Google. It means the new system will roll out as a part of the Google Play System update.
Google says the new version of Quick Share has the best aspects of both Nearby Share and Quick Share. So you can share documents, files, images, links, text, videos, and more quickly and efficiently between Android and Chrome OS devices.
Google will also update the Nearby Share for Windows app so you can share files with computers running Windows 10 or Windows 11 as well. Right now, the Nearby Share for Windows app doesn't support computers using ARM processors, but Google could update the app to change that.
The company has also announced that it is working with PC and laptop makers to pre-install Quick Share on their devices, and LG has been named the first partner. For now, Quick Share can be installed on Intel-powered Windows PCs through the Microsoft Store.
With a quick tap, you can see which Quick Share compatible devices are available nearby and share files with them wirelessly. As usual, you can choose who can share files with you (only you, your contacts, or everyone nearby) through privacy settings.
