Google plans to launch the new "Fast Share" feature that allows Android devices to share assets to other devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct connections through its Play services. The new service will replace the Android Beam, and it resembles Apple's AirDrop.
In 2011, Google introduced its NFC-based Android Beam file sharing with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Their plan to replace the Beam for Fast Share came earlier this year. The Beam was replaced because the transfer speed is slow when it comes to large files. It is more preferred to either connect the sharing phones through a laptop/PC or use a third party peer-to-peer file sharing app than the Android Beam when transferring large files.
Many were upset when Google decided to deprecate Android Beam in Android Q. Every Android device supports the Android Beam. The company pushed its Files by Google app to replace the Android Beam, but it appeared that they are working on the new file-sharing tool. Fast Share offers a new and simple file sharing experience. The new service operates using Bluetooth and wi-fi connection in operating like Apple's AirDrop.
The feature refers to the sharing function that is found in the Files by Google app that detects surrounding devices with Bluetooth before transferring the data through Wi-Fi Direct. The Fast Share option is visible under the "share" menu with other apps, and it can be launched by going to the settings under the "Google" option. Users can share images, URLs, text snippets, and other files to nearby recipients without internet after enabling Bluetooth and Location Services.
Fast Share can connect with devices like Chromebooks and smartwatches and it is not limited to smartphones. The feature allows users to give their device "Preferred Visibility" to nearby devices, letting other devices detect your device when you are nearby even if you are not using the feature.
Users can pick the devices that you wish to send once it was detected in the next menu. Users are given options to accept or decline a file transfer when they are receiving a file. The service offers a fullscreen interface which shows you the device name and connection ID. There was no report of the actual date that the service will be available on Android. Google has no official word about Fast Share it is certain that the replacement for Android Beam will be part of the public release of the Android Q that is scheduled in August.
