Google was announced today at CES that it has partnered with Samsung to combine their sharing solutions into a unique cross-Android solution called Quick Share. The new offering expands the network of devices with which users can share content across the Android ecosystem, including Chromebooks.
In 2020, Google introduced Nearby Share to make it easier for users to share files across devices. Samsung also has its own similar feature called Quick Share.
The companies have integrated the two experiences to create “the best default, built-in option for peer-to-peer content sharing” across all types of devices in the Android and Chromebook ecosystems. Google also announced that it is working with PC manufacturers like LG to extend Quick Share to Windows PCs as a pre-installed app.
“This means that with a simple tap on the new Quick Share icon, you can see a list of available devices nearby,” the company explained in the blog post. “Remain in control of your privacy and you can choose in your phone settings who can discover your device and send files, whether it’s everyone, just your contacts, or just your own devices.”
Quick Share will begin rolling out to current Nearby Share-enabled devices next month.
Google also announced that support for Fast Pair, a feature that quickly finds and connects Bluetooth accessories to your devices, is expanding to Chromecast with Google TV, and will expand to more Google devices later this year. Additionally, the company revealed that you can now cast TikTok content from your phone to your Chromecast built-in devices, and that users will soon be able to stream live videos from TikTok to their big screen.
Additionally, Android Auto is getting a handful of new updates. IIn the coming months, electric vehicles compatible with Android Auto can share real-time battery information with Google Maps. The functionality is initially available on the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Plus, you can send trips you’ve planned on your phone directly to Google Maps on your car’s display.
