Google presents file sharing service with iOS and Android

Google on Tuesday introduced a technology for smartphones and tablets that should make it easier to share files with other users nearby. Thanks to the technology, pairing devices with Bluetooth should be a thing of the past.

Google calls it ironic that it’s not always easy to share files with someone close by. “It takes several steps to get a little bit of information from someone next to you, whether it’s sharing contact information, scanning a QR code or pairing smartphones via bluetooth.”

To facilitate the sharing of information, Google developed the Nearby technology. It uses Bluetooth, WiFi and a sound fragment that is inaudible to humans to determine the proximity of another smartphone user. A file can then be shared immediately. Both users do not need to have a Google account for this. Nearby must be enabled first.

With Nearby Messages, Google offers an api for iOS and Android, from Gingerbread and higher. It is available in version 7.8 of Google Play Services. A number of Google partners have already developed apps with Nearby, namely Edjing, Trello, Pocket Casts and Trulia. Nearby works with Chromecast guest mode, Nearby Players in Google Play Games and Google Tone, among others.