Google to Enhance AirDrop Support for More Android Devices Soon
Google plans to enhance AirDrop support for a wider range of Android devices beyond its Pixel 10 series. Eric Kay, the vice president of engineering for Android, confirmed during a recent press briefing that additional Android devices would soon utilize Quick Share to facilitate AirDrop sessions with Apple products.
Expansion of AirDrop Compatibility
The announcement indicated that the compatibility would extend beyond just Pixel devices, with “a lot more” Android phones set to join the ecosystem this year. Kay emphasized the significant effort invested in ensuring compatibility with not just iPhones, but also iPads and MacBooks.
Current Status of Quick Share
As of now, Quick Share—Android’s wireless peer-to-peer transfer feature formerly known as Nearby Share—is exclusive to Google’s Pixel 10 devices when communicating with Apple’s AirDrop. Specific Android partners and models for the upcoming rollout have yet to be disclosed.
- Current compatible devices: Pixel 10
- Upcoming expansion: More Android phones
- Feature: Quick Share for AirDrop functionality
Collaboration with Partners
Google is actively working with various partners to broaden this new feature to a more extensive product lineup. Companies such as Nothing and Qualcomm hinted at forthcoming support in November, creating anticipation for further announcements.
Improving User Experience for Switchers
In addition to expanding Quick Share capabilities, Google is enhancing the transition process for iOS users migrating to Android. Kay mentioned ongoing efforts to minimize issues during data transfers from iPhones, addressing concerns over incomplete data and lost messages.
The collaboration between Google and Apple aims to develop user-friendly data transfer methods by the beginning of 2024. Testing of these features was observed in Android Canary 2512 for Pixel devices in December.
Conclusion
With these advancements, users can expect a seamless transition from iOS to Android, ensuring they maintain access to all their data. Google’s commitment to expanding AirDrop support signifies a notable shift towards greater interoperability between Android and Apple devices.
