Android's Quick Share could soon get a boost by allowing QR Code file transfers
Google's Quick Share, the Android counterpart to Apple's AirDrop, has been receiving a lot of attention from the tech giant lately. Following recent updates that brought a Material Design makeover and a dedicated Windows app, Google appears to be gearing up to make Quick Share even more user-friendly by incorporating QR code technology.
This insight comes from a report by Android Authority, citing popular Google app researcher AssembleDebug. The report suggests that an upcoming update to Google Play Services (version 24.20.13) could add QR code functionality to Quick Share, simplifying the connection process between devices.
Currently, Quick Share requires devices to be in close proximity, on the same Wi-Fi network, or paired via Bluetooth. While Wi-Fi offers faster transfer speeds, getting devices onto the same network can sometimes be a hassle. The new QR code feature aims to simplify this by allowing users to generate a QR code on the sender's device, which the receiver can then scan with their camera to initiate the connection. This could prove particularly useful in situations where one of the devices isn't yours, eliminating the need to fiddle with Wi-Fi settings.
The feature is expected to be integrated into the Android system share sheet, providing a convenient "Share with QR code" option. However, it's important to note that while QR codes can streamline the connection process, users will still need to grant Quick Share access to Bluetooth and location permissions for the feature to work.
As Google continues to refine Quick Share, this potential addition of QR codes could further solidify its position as a viable alternative to AirDrop, offering Android users a simple and efficient way to share files and folders wirelessly.
Currently, Quick Share requires devices to be in close proximity, on the same Wi-Fi network, or paired via Bluetooth. While Wi-Fi offers faster transfer speeds, getting devices onto the same network can sometimes be a hassle. The new QR code feature aims to simplify this by allowing users to generate a QR code on the sender's device, which the receiver can then scan with their camera to initiate the connection. This could prove particularly useful in situations where one of the devices isn't yours, eliminating the need to fiddle with Wi-Fi settings.
Images Credit: Android Authority
Although there's no official rollout date for this update, early testing by AssembleDebug suggests that the feature won't magically enable cross-platform transfers with iPhones. Scanning the QR code with an iPhone simply redirects to a Quick Share support page.
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