The Android-iPhone ecosystem debate may finally have one less point of contention, as Google is rolling out AirDrop support for Quick Share. Google has announced a significant move for smartphone interoperability, which is that Android and iPhone users will now be able to share files natively using their respective quick share services, Quick Share and AirDrop.
Android Quick Share AirDrop support first arrives on Pixel 10 series
Google announced via a blog post that Android and iPhone users will now be able to send files using Quick Share and AirDrop. By making Android's Quick Share compatible with AirDrop, Google is essentially eliminating one of the longest-standing barriers between the two major mobile ecosystems.
The feature is rolling out starting today and will initially be available exclusively on the Pixel 10 family of devices. The announcement post highlights that the cross-platform system was built with security as a top priority and incorporates strong safeguards that have been tested by independent experts.
However, the post doesn't highlight Apple's direct involvement in making the cross-platform file sharing work. This is unlike the other developments, like RCS and unknown tracker alerts, where Apple had a surface-level or deep involvement in helping Google craft these technologies.
Google Gesture Exchange, a NameDrop competitor, is also in development to compete with Apple's NameDrop. Since Quick Share now works with AirDrop, it's plausible that Google might enable Gesture Exchange between Android and iPhones. Most Chinese Android manufacturers like Vivo, OnePlus and Oppo already have their own ways to share files with iPhones via the gesture.
While currently limited to the newest Pixel phones, Google plans to expand this capability to more Android devices in the future. Stay tuned!
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