Android and Apple have their significant differences in the smartphone operating system competition, and one that sets them apart is Cupertino's famous AirDrop which is integrated across all iDevices. However, this feature is still accessible for the Google-powered open-sourced OS, with a built-in integration, as well as notable apps to use.
Google and Android developers aim to make the experience more streamlined for all, and this means that the previously exclusive file-sharing feature on iOS is something that Android users may also enjoy.
Best Android File Sharing Feature, Apps Available
(Photo : EMMI KORHONEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Android's Nearby Share
(Photo : EMMI KORHONEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Android's famed "Nearby Share" was launched in 2020 to bring Android users a chance to access file sharing natively on their devices. Native, meaning that users no longer need to download third-party apps for this feature to work.
It works via wireless connections that will link together these Android devices, to share files including photos, videos, documents, and the like.
The only requirement it needs is an Android device running at least Android version 6.0 to have this feature.
Google Support says that Bluetooth and Location settings should be turned on for this to work seamlessly.
To receive files, go to your Settings app and look for "Nearby Share" and turn it on. On the sender's device, go to the file or website they wish to share and tap the Share button and click "Nearby."
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SHAREIt
One of the most famous apps for file sharing is SHAREIt, and it is available on the Google Play Store, computers, and even iOS.
The app only requires a user to connect to a local device to share files, and this is accessible via the app and connecting to a sender's hotspot.
The received files will appear on the File Manager native application on one's Android device, under SHAREIt folders, which they may then copy and paste to other folders.
The shared files are also accessible on the Gallery, PDF Viewer, and Document Viewer apps straight from SHAREIt's file location.
AirDroid
AirDroid is another third-party app available on the Google Play Store which provides connections to other Android devices, Windows PC, macOS, and iOS.
It also delivers an easy file-sharing feature for users who only needs to tap the send feature to connect to other devices and bring what users wish to share.
Apple's AirDrop
The Apple AirDrop is one notable feature available on iDevices as it helps in sharing files across different Apple devices, and is not limited to the smartphone.
It presents a wireless sharing feature that is rooted deeply in iOS, across the iPadOS, as well as the macOS.
Most recently, Apple limited the AirDrop's Everyone setting to 10 minutes only, and after the time elapsed, it will revert to the "Contacts Only" feature. This reason is due to political ones, where China requested Apple to limit the Everyone feature as its citizens use this to spread propaganda materials.
Apple's edge over Android, as argued by several people centers on the exclusive features which interconnect their devices and systems, across multiple platforms. However, the AirDrop feature and its file-sharing capabilities are not limited to Apple anymore, as previous developments already integrated this into Android, as well as from several apps.
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