In a continued effort to strengthen their partnership, Samsung and Google have recently announced their latest collaboration: merging Google’s Nearby Share with Samsung’s Quick Share. This move comes as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance cross-platform functionality and promote seamless interaction between Google and Samsung devices across various operating systems.
According to a recent report, Google is rebranding Nearby Share to Quick Share. Android developer Kmila Wojciechowska discovered this change after installing the GMS update (version 23.50.13), which introduces the new name and icon. The update encourages users to “Look for the new name and icon to share with nearby devices.” Google has reportedly updated the branding across Android’s user interface, presenting an icon that combines elements from both Nearby Share and Quick Share designs.
With the rebranding, users now have the option to keep Quick Share open to everyone or restrict it to their devices or those owned by contacts. By choosing the Contacts option, data syncs with Google account contacts, facilitating file sharing with them. The pop-up menu neatly separates your devices (signed in with your Google account) and nearby devices, making it easier to identify and select your own devices. Additionally, users can limit Quick Share visibility to just ten minutes for enhanced privacy.
This strategic move benefits both Google and Samsung, as it fosters compatibility between their devices and the broader Android ecosystem with Windows, and potentially in the future, Apple’s ecosystem. If the rebranding becomes official, Google might also rename Nearby Share for Windows to Quick Share. Furthermore, this comprehensive approach could lead to the introduction of the Quick Share app to macOS.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Samsung and Google continues to yield exciting developments. The merger of Nearby Share and Quick Share brings enhanced file-sharing capabilities and cross-platform functionality to users of both brands. With the potential expansion to other operating systems, this partnership is set to further benefit users in the future.