At CES, Google disclosed its partnership with Samsung to unify their file-sharing solutions into a single cross-Android feature named Quick Share. This integration aims to expand the network of devices within the Android ecosystem, including Chromebooks, for seamless content sharing.
Google initially launched Nearby Share in 2020 to facilitate easy file sharing across various devices. Samsung had a comparable feature known as Quick Share. These two technologies have now been merged to form a unified, default solution for peer-to-peer content sharing across Android and Chromebook devices. Additionally, Google is collaborating with PC manufacturers like LG to extend Quick Share to Windows PCs as a pre-installed application.
With Quick Share, users can simply tap the Quick Share icon to view a list of nearby devices. This feature prioritizes user privacy, allowing users to control who can discover and send files to their device through their phone’s settings.
The rollout of Quick Share to existing Nearby Share-enabled devices is expected to begin next month.
Further announcements from Google included the expansion of Fast Pair support to Chromecast with Google TV, with plans to extend it to more Google devices later this year. Google also introduced the ability to cast TikTok content to Chromecast-enabled devices and announced upcoming support for casting TikTok Live videos to larger screens.
For Android Auto users, new updates are on the horizon. In the coming months, electric vehicles compatible with Android Auto will be able to display real-time battery information on Google Maps. This functionality is set to debut with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. Moreover, trips planned on a phone can soon be sent directly to Google Maps on car displays, enhancing navigation convenience.