Google introduces tap-to-share mode for Quick Share alongside Pixel 11 launch
The update, announced with the Pixel 11 series, enables instant two-way exchanges of contacts and media by bringing compatible devices together.
Google has introduced a tap-to-share mode to its Quick Share feature, allowing Android users to exchange contacts, photos, and videos by bringing devices together. The update, announced alongside the Pixel 11 launch on Wednesday, is designed to facilitate an instant, two-way exchange initiated via the phone’s Share Sheet.
The functionality mirrors Apple’s NameDrop feature, introduced in iOS 17, which uses near-field communication to share contacts and media by touching iPhones together. By bringing compatible Android devices close to one another, users can now initiate transfers without navigating complex menus, streamlining the process for sharing files between handsets.
The update is rolling out immediately for Pixel 6 and newer devices. Google confirmed that support will soon extend to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Fold8, and Galaxy Flip8 models. The company stated that additional device support will be added by the end of the year, though specific models for the remaining rollout have not been disclosed.
Quick Share serves as Google’s primary solution for cross-device file transfers, functioning as an equivalent to Apple’s AirDrop. The new tap-to-share capability aims to bring the Pixel lineup closer to parity with iPhone capabilities in terms of user experience for proximity-based sharing.
The feature allows users to share contact information, photos, videos, and other files. To utilise the new mode, users select content from the Share Sheet and then tap their devices together to complete the exchange. This development marks a significant step in standardising proximity-based sharing across the Android ecosystem.
