Google's Nearby Share is a feature that allows users to transfer files between Android devices and Chromebooks. However, the feature was not available on Windows, which meant users had to rely on other methods to transfer files between their PC and Android device. But now, Google has launched an open beta program that brings Nearby Share to Windows, allowing users to transfer files wirelessly between their PC, Android device, and/or Chromebook.
How to get started with Nearby Share on Windows:
- To get started with Nearby Share on Windows, users need to follow these simple steps:
- Download the Nearby Share Beta for Windows app from Google's website
- Launch the BetterTogetherSetup.exe file to install the app
- Open the Nearby Share for Windows app and sign in to your Google account
- Adjust sharing settings to your preference and rename your PC if desired
Adjusting sharing settings:
Nearby Share allows users to adjust sharing settings to their preferences. Users can choose to make their PC visible only to their devices, contacts, and everybody, or turn off visibility entirely. Additionally, users can rename their PC and choose a download location for their files.
File transfer process:
To transfer files from a PC to an Android device, users can select files or folders to share through the Nearby Share for Windows app. To transfer files from an Android device to a PC, users can use the standard Nearby Share process.
Transfer speed:
A quick test showed that an 80MB file took around 20 to 30 seconds to transfer from phone to computer, while a ~690MB file took about five minutes to transfer to a PC. However, transfer speeds may vary depending on the device.
Caveats:
Users should note that the Nearby Share for Windows app is not yet available in many European countries and does not support Arm devices at this time.
Conclusion:
Overall, the launch of Nearby Share for Windows is a convenient and much-needed feature that makes file transfers between Android devices and Windows PCs much easier. While there are some limitations, such as availability in certain countries and lack of support for Arm devices, this is a step in the right direction for Google's efforts to improve file sharing between devices.