Rebranded Quick Share is finally rolling out to Pixels and it's not an exact copy of Samsung's

Rebranded Quick Share is finally rolling out to Pixels and it’s not an exact copy of Samsung’s،

As we know from news initially shared during CES 2024 and then followed by January's Pixel Feature Drop announcement, Google and Samsung are once again joining forces for good and bringing clarity to their users by combining Samsung’s “Nearby Share” and “Quick Share” in one name: Quick Share. This renowned new product will be present on Samsung and Pixel devices as a universal file sharing solution that can be used on Android and soon on Windows.

According to Android Font, Pixel phones already appear to be receiving the new updated app with the rebranding, and other Android devices will likely follow. It is important to note, however, that Google's Quick Share is not identical to Samsung's native version. Google's solution connects to Play Services, allowing for broader deployment, while Samsung's app remains manufacturer specific. However, both will receive compatibility updates.

Google may have started rolling out Quick Share to some Android users. A user reports seeing the new Quick Share (formerly called Nearby Share) on their Pixel phone.

Let me know if you see Quick Share on your Android device!

Thanks to @android_setting for the advice! pic.twitter.com/hqfVk4XvaT

– Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) January 31, 2024

Perhaps in an attempt to minimize confusion, Google's Quick Share will entirely replace Nearby Share on Samsung smartphones. This means that services such as temporary link sharing and encrypted file transfer, available in Samsung's Quick Share, will not be available in Google's version. However, a new benefit has arrived: nearby Quick Share devices are now displayed directly in the share sheet, making it easier to transmit files and eliminating the extra step of having to open the full interface.

However, some Pixel and OnePlus users are reporting that the special benefit of seeing their devices in Quick Share is not showing up for them. This suggests a gradual rollout with server-side flags. We'll have to wait and see if this added feature persists as the updated Quick Share rolls out more widely.

Renamed Quick Share is finally deployed on Pixels and it's not an exact copy of Samsung's

New “Quick Share” share sheet showing nearby devices compared to old share sheet | Source: Android Police

Regardless of this initial hiccup and confusion, the Quick Share redesign should make file sharing on Android easier. As the rollout continues, we'll likely learn more about the specific features available to different users and devices.