Google recently announced the expansion of Fast Pair for Windows PCs to allow users to easily set up Bluetooth accessories, sync text messages and share files using the Near Share service. The tech giant is now working on a new addition to the nearby sharing feature. The new tool is said to be called Self Share, and as the name suggests, it will allow users to easily transfer files to themselves on their own devices. Using Self Share, you can send files to yourself without using email or cloud drives. The feature is likely to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to transfer data to Chrome OS or Android devices.
Google is bringing modifications to the nearby sharing feature to allow users to share files on their own devices. History of Chrome identified an experimental flag on chrome gerrit suggesting adding a new Self Share tool to Close Share. As per the report, the latest update will allow users to share files between their own devices via the nearby sharing method. When the feature is active, the Near Share menu will have a new “Send to your devices” option.
Furthermore, according to a report by Chrome Unboxed, the Self Share feature will go through the Chrome OS Canary developer flag stage before a wide rollout, and afterward, we expect it to also make its way to platforms other than Chrome OS as well.
Google launched the Near Share file sharing platform for Android smartphones in 2020. With this, any two phones running Android 6.0 or higher can quickly share files with each other. The feature is similar to Apple’s AirDrop file sharing platform.
Later, the company added it to Windows users via Google Chrome. Since then, Google has been busy adding many new features to Next Share to rival Apple’s AirDrop. Nearby sharing functionality automatically selects the best protocol to send the files which can be Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC or Wi-Fi peer to peer. Recently, during CES 2022, Google he said which is working with Acer, HP and Intel to bring Fast Pair and Close Share experiences to select Windows PCs for the first time later this year.
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