Samsung Quick Share Is Like Apple's AirDrop But For Galaxy Phones

Apple has a very useful file-sharing feature called AirDrop. This feature, which was launched in 2011, has been helping many who use Apple's ecosystem to share files, videos, photos and other things between iPhones, iPads and Macs, without the need for a third-party app to succeed.

AirDrop has been one of the reasons why many iOS users stay in the Apple ecosystem, XDA Developers noted. Thankfully, Samsung smartphone users won't have to make the jump to the iPhone just to enjoy such a feature.

Samsung is set to release a new AirDrop-like feature called “Quick Share” with its upcoming Galaxy S20 lineup, XDA Developers reported. This new feature will allow Galaxy smartphone users to share files, photos, videos and more with each other without the need to install third-party apps designed to work the same way.

XDA's Max Weinbach said he acquired an APK from an anonymous source who has access to a Galaxy S20+ 5G handset. He was able to install and run the APK on a few different Galaxy handsets, but was unable to transfer files between those devices. It appears that the feature will be specific to certain models, likely starting with the Galaxy S20 lineup. Other Galaxy devices might get it in the future.

Quick Share will allow Galaxy smartphone users to share and receive files and other things with their Samsung Social contacts. It will also allow users to receive such content from everyone around them, provided that the people around the user has a compatible device that supports the feature.

Unlike AirDrop, Quick Share also allows users to upload files to Samsung Cloud. These files can then be streamed and downloaded to Samsung Smart Things devices to be used at home and other places. As such, this feature, for example, will allow users to watch on their Samsung Smart TVs the movies and videos they have on the Galaxy Handsets – without the need for third-party apps, gadgets or cables.

What about non-Samsung users?

Android users who don't have Samsung devices shouldn't feel bad about the news because Google is also working on its AirDrop alternative called Nearby Sharing. This feature will allow users to transfer files and other things between Android-powered smartphones, hopefully irregardless of the model or brand being used.

Chinese Android smartphone makers Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have also teamed up to create a cross-brand file sharing system that will allow up to 20MB/s transfer speeds. This feature will be released next month.