Google is making its Apple AirDrop rival better for Android users, here’s how – Times of India

Google brought a refined clipboard editor in Android 13 that allows users to quickly paste texts. It clears itself after a “certain period of time” enhancing user security and privacy. The same feature is reportedly getting a tweak aimed at making it more useful. Google is adding the Nearby Share button in the editor’s overlay alongside the “Share” button.
The button was spotted by Esper’s Mishaal Rahman. It seems to be a server-side update right now and moves over the regular share button to the left. Google had given a sneak peek into this feature at this year’s developers conference in May, Google I/O 2022. Some users too claim that it has started to appear on their devices.
What is Nearby Share
Essentially Google’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop feature, Nearby Share enables users to send and receive files or apps with Android devices near you. The feature also works with Chromebooks.
With the button now appearing on Clipboard, you can share links, texts and images right from the clipboard to Android devices and Chromebooks.

How to share files with Nearby Share
Instead of sharing files via apps such as WhatsApp and Gmail, you can quickly share content via Nearby Share. When you share content via Nearby Share, a list of devices will appear in the proximity with which you can share content with.
When you tap on the receiver, he/ she will be notified with the option to accept or decline the file you are sharing. The Nearby Share automatically chooses the best protocol for sharing using Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC or peer-to-peer WiFi. This means one can use Nearby Share to share content when offline.
On your Chromebook, users can select Settings at the bottom right. Select Connected devices > Next to ‘Nearby Share’ > select Set up. Choose a name for your device > select Done.
Google says that Nearby Share is built with privacy and enables users to send and receive files without sharing contact information.