Google on Thursday, August 4, officially announced the rollout for Nearby Share, a feature similar to Apple’s AirDrop, which lets users share files to nearby users without the need for an internet connection. 

Previously, Android users made use of Bluetooth and the Bluetooth-enabled sharing Android Beam. Nearby Share replaces Android Beam, and uses a faster peer-to-peer WiFi connection called WiFi Direct in addition to other connectivity protocols Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and WebRTC.

AirDrop, which has been around since 2011, also makes use of a peer-to-peer WiFi connection. 

By using WiFi Direct, Nearby Share enables faster transfers than previous first-party methods. Unlike Apple devices though, which can facilitate sharing between iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, Nearby Share only supports Android smartphones at the moment.

Google said the feature will eventually work on laptops running on Google ChromeOS, but there are also spot reports that the technology may eventually make it to Windows and Linux.

If you want to check if you have it, and eventually use it, follow these steps:

1. Go to settings, and tap Google.
2. Tap Device connections.
3. If you have the feature, a Nearby Sharing option will appear. Tap it.
4. Toggle it on. You need a Google account logged in to make it work. You may also limit device visibility, and whether you want to use a data connection to share. 
5. Once on, proceed to a file. For example: a photo. Tap the share icon (the one with 3 dots strung together by a line), and then tap Nearby Sharing.
6. The phone looks for nearby devices. A prompt will appear on the receiver’s phone that they will have to confirm to initiate the transfer process. 

The first to receive the Nearby Share update are Google Pixel and Samsung phones, with no specific details regarding rollout for other devices. Users can try to force-update Google Play Services by going to the settings, but the availability of the option may be device-dependent. – Rappler.com