After much anticipation, Google has officially launched the beta version of Nearby Share for Windows today. This feature enables users to share files easily between their Android devices and personal computers. Its preview was first announced during CES 2022.
Android and Windows have a relatively strong compatibility, and their partnership is constantly improving, with an increasing number of tools and services available to users. This latest development with the release of Nearby Share for Windows further strengthens their relationship, providing users with a powerful tool to enhance their file sharing experience on Windows.
At present, the Nearby Share app is only available in beta and can be downloaded from android.com, provided the device is supported.
Upon successful download, users will be required to sign in to their Google Account from their PC browser. While there is an option to use the app without signing in, it is advisable to sign in with the same account that is used on the Android device. This will ensure seamless integration between the two devices. Once logged in, users can customize the device’s visibility and how it appears to other devices for a more personalized file sharing experience.
The app is only compatible with Windows 10 and newer 64-bit versions, with ARM devices not currently supported. Before using the app, ensure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your PC, as files are transferred wirelessly.
Google recommends a transfer proximity of 16 feet (5 meters) between devices for the best user experience. With the app, users can quickly transfer photos, videos, documents, audio files, or entire folders between their Android devices and Windows PCs.
The Nearby Share Beta for Windows app is a convenient tool for users who need to transfer files between their Android devices and Windows PCs. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to edit their photos on a larger screen or need to organize their digital folders. By enabling quick and secure file transfers, the app streamlines the process, making it easier for users to access and work with their files.
The Nearby Share Beta for Windows app boasts an impressive Material 3 design, complete with blue accents for a sleek and modern look. To share files, users can simply drag-and-drop or right-click on a file and select “Send with Nearby Share.” The app is easily recognizable with a blue double helix icon.
Similar to the Android version, Nearby Share on Windows comes with device visibility controls, allowing users to choose who can see their device. The options include Everyone, Contacts, Your devices, and No one. This feature gives users greater control over their privacy and ensures that they are only sharing files with intended recipients.
The Nearby Share Beta for Windows app delivers on its promise of seamless file sharing between Android devices and Windows PCs. You will be pleasantly surprised by how quickly the app recognizes your phone and vice versa after dropping files into the window. Sending and receiving files was a breeze, with fast transfer speeds and smooth performance.
One of the most convenient aspects of the app is that you don’t need to keep the Nearby Share window open on your PC for your phone to detect it. This feature allows for more flexibility and ease of use, making the app an even more practical tool for file sharing.
Nearby Share Beta for Windows is now available in the U.S. and select regions globally, and allows for seamless file transfer between Android devices and Windows PCs. The app uses end-to-end encryption to ensure secure and private sharing of files. When receiving a transfer, you can easily open or dismiss it with a few clicks. The app’s interface features a sleek Material 3 design with a blue accent and a blue double helix icon.
While sharing between Android and Windows is currently the only supported combination, Google plans to expand the app’s support for sharing content with other Google ecosystem devices in the future.
The Nearby Share Beta for Windows app is now live in the U.S., and users can download it from the Android website. However, users in Europe (including France) may not have access to the download link yet. Regardless, once you have the file, there are no installation limitations, making it easy to use the app.
Source: Google