What it’s good to know
- Google introduced that Pixel 9 sequence customers can count on to obtain their Fast Share, AirDrop compatibility replace “over the approaching weeks.”
- This shall be a “phased” rollout, which means not everybody will see this replace on the identical time; nevertheless, customers can count on to share content material with iPhones, iPads, and macOS.
- Google first introduced its Fast Share, AirDrop team-up final November, signaling one other key shift in bridging the hole between Android and iOS gadgets.
The time that Pixel 9 customers have been ready for is lastly right here, as Google delivers affirmation that Apple’s AirDrop is increasing.
Google introduced by way of its Pixel Group discussion board that it’s beginning to roll out its Fast Share compatibility with AirDrop replace to its 2024 Pixel line. The submit confirms that this replace is arriving for the Pixel 9, 9 Professional, 9 Professional XL, and the 9 Professional Fold. Sadly, Google’s disclaimer says that customers with a Pixel 9a will sadly miss out on this compatibility replace.
What you’ll be able to count on is for this replace to begin arriving for customers “over the approaching week in phases.” To be particular, not everybody’s going to see this replace directly—simply hold your eyes open for the replace to reach.
Google says this replace will make it in order that Pixel 9 sequence customers can simply share their recordsdata with an iPhone, iPad, or a macOS system. This makes it “straightforward” for you and your mates with Apple merchandise to nonetheless share content material over Bluetooth. Google makes one factor clear: “Privateness and pace stay a precedence.” The corporate states that it has carried out “multi-layered” protections to assist safeguard what you are sharing.
It is like RCS, however for sharing
Late final November, Google introduced that Fast Share was teaming up with AirDrop. This compatibility was reported first for the Pixel 10 sequence, making it straightforward for these customers to swap content material between iPhones and extra iOS gadgets. Google acknowledged that customers wanted to allow acceptance from “Everybody for 10 minutes” earlier than they may start sharing.
“Sturdy safeguards” and dealing with “impartial safety consultants” had been talked about on the safety facet. Google additionally confirmed that it could look to broaden this performance to extra Android telephones, although a timeline wasn’t given.
Earlier this month, Google had extra to say about this. It confirmed that Fast Share and AirDrop’s compatibility would arrive on extra gadgets, comparable to these from Samsung and Nothing. Though there was an Android Canary construct that spoiled the corporate’s work to broaden this to the Pixel 9.
Android Central’s Take
This jogs my memory of the entire RCS factor Google had with Apple. Even Samsung acquired concerned, throwing jabs at Apple for its lack of RCS with Android. Whereas, for RCS, that was purely security-based, and about facilitating a greater messaging expertise between either side, this Fast Share, AirDrop factor is extra about usability. It is about bridging that hole between gadgets. A press release that, simply because they run completely different software program, on the finish of the day, it is nonetheless a cellphone. Let me share my photographs with my pal, why does it matter if they’ve an iPhone?
