Google is making a shocking change by renaming Close by Share, which is like AirDrop for Android, to “Fast Share.” Initially, it was only for sharing recordsdata between Android telephones, however now it additionally works with Chromebooks and Home windows PCs (although not but with Macs). Much like AirDrop, it’s a handy solution to ship recordsdata to buddies or your self.

Kamila Wojciechowska on Twitter/X found this transformation after updating to Google Play companies beta model 23.50.13. A notification appeared, saying that Close by Share is now Fast Share. This notification was accompanied by a brand new icon that includes two arrows with tails. Whereas the looks is completely different, the best way it features stays the identical. This implies, the best way the app works stays the identical, regardless of the change in identify and icon.

Samsung Makes use of Fast Share on Galaxy Units

The identify Fast Share is fascinating as a result of Samsung makes use of it for file-sharing on Galaxy telephones. It’s unclear if Samsung’s model has any connection to Google’s rebranding of Close by Share. The corporate has not revealed any assertion concerning Google’s use of Fast Share but. If it seems to be an settlement between Samsung and Google per experiences, there’s a risk that the South Korean firm will ditch its app in favor of Google’s app in future.

This rebranding appears to be primarily about look, as Close by Share continues to carry out the identical features. You’ll be able to simply share recordsdata, and the brand new icon additionally seems in Fast Settings on Android telephones. The previous icon resembled two arrows or boomerangs intricately woven collectively.

Availability of Google Fast Share

In the intervening time, this transformation is barely current within the beta model of Play Companies. It would take a couple of extra weeks earlier than all Android gadgets witness the transition from Close by Share to Fast Share.

Maybe Google is making this transformation to simplify and enhance the consumer expertise. It aligns with their ongoing efforts to reinforce how folks use their companies and gadgets, aiming for simplicity and effectivity.