Apple’s ecosystem is applauded for its intense connectivity between devices. If you need to share a file, within Apple devices — say an iPhone and a MacBook, then you can easily do that through AirDrop. Rival ecosystems from Google and Microsoft don’t enjoy such integration but it seems that they will have something very close in the nearby future.
Google has been reportedly testing a new files app for several Android users in a closed Beta group. The app is called Files Go and seems to be a rather simplistic version of file explorers available on Android. However, some users have caught a new AirDrop-like sharing feature that aims to ease file sharing between devices.
The feature utilises Bluetooth connectivity to send desired files, photos, songs or anything that users fancy. However, it eliminates the manual process of switching on Bluetooth and searching for the device. Just like ShareIt, the app scans other available devices with the File Go app open and waits for the user to select the device.
The feature may not be as fluid as AirDrop, which sends files to nearby Apple devices even if the receiver’s iPhone or iPad is engrossed in some other task. Files Go looks to be Google’s version of ShareIt; only this one utilises Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, meaning that file transfer speeds may not be as fast as that of ShareIt’s.
Microsoft has also been trying to integrate devices on multiple platforms from the past few months. After launching the ‘Continue to PC’ app for both Android and iOS, Microsoft has introduced a new feature to the latest Insider Preview Ring of Windows 10 that aims to be the AirDrop from Windows 10 PCs and laptops. Microsoft calls it Near Share and allows Windows 10 users to share files on demand, without dealing with the pesky connection processes.
Near Share will be available with all Microsoft apps as well as the File Explorer. Once selected, users will be able to see all the available Windows 10 computers and select the desired one to send the file in an instant. However, Near Share depends on Bluetooth connectivity, which means speeds will not be as fast Wi-Fi based sharing apps. Also, both computers will need to have Bluetooth enabled. But if Bluetooth is switched on by default, the sender can simply send files to the receiver, who will be notified of an incoming file in the Action Centre.
Out of these two, Microsoft’s system is the closest to Apple’s AirDrop. Google’s system still relies on that older model of sharing files through an app. We just wish that these three software giants collaborate on cross-linking their platforms so as to provide a connected user experience.
