Google has officially launched the Nearby Share app for Windows PCs, allowing users to easily share files across various devices, including phones, tablets, and Chromebooks. The app has been in beta testing since March 2023 and is now available to all users.
Nearby Share is a feature that enables seamless file sharing between devices without compromising the file’s quality. It works similar to Apple’s AirDrop, allowing users to send files to other devices with just a press of a button.
Since the beta launch, the app has seen significant popularity, with over 1.7 million downloads and more than 50 million files transferred between PC and Android devices. Photos and videos have been the most popular types of files transferred.
With the official release, Google has introduced some improvements to the Nearby Share for Windows app:
- Expected Duration for File Transfers: Users can now see how long it will take to share large files like folders or videos, as the app includes the expected duration for file transfers.
- Image Preview in Device Notifications: Before sharing files, users can check the image preview in the device notifications to ensure they are sending the correct file.
Google has continued to improve the overall speed and reliability of the app since its beta launch, with updates reducing crashes and increasing the success rate of file transfers.
The company is also working with partners like HP to include the Nearby Share app on select Windows PCs, such as the HP Dragonfly Pro.
To use Nearby Share on Windows PCs, users need to meet the following requirements:
- PC running on Windows 10 or higher, with a 64-bit version.
- Android device with Android 6.0 or higher.
- Both devices should have Bluetooth enabled.
- Both devices should have Wi-Fi or ethernet enabled.
- Both devices should be on the same network.
- Both devices should be within 5 meters or 16 feet of each other.
With Nearby Share now available for Windows PCs, users can enjoy seamless and convenient file sharing across their devices, making it easier to transfer files without compromising quality.
