Latest news with #QuickShare
Android Authority
12-06-2025
- Android Authority
When I share files, I skip right past Quick Share and use this app instead
Andy Walker / Android Authority Sharing files across Android and other devices can be tedious. Although Quick Share has improved slightly since Samsung and Google collaborated, offering a larger feature set than ever, it often feels more cumbersome than convenient. I spend more time connecting to the recipient's phone than sending the file, which I don't appreciate. How often do you use Quick Share? 2 votes Daily. 50 % Once or twice a week. 50 % Once a month or less. 0 % I don't use it at all. 0 % So, faced with the constant challenge of sharing files from my Android phone to my desktop and my partner's phone, I changed my approach. Instead of using a USB cable or Quick Share, I now use LocalSend and wonder why I didn't switch sooner. Where Quick Share stumbles, LocalSend speeds away Andy Walker / Android Authority LocalSend is a free, open-source file-sharing platform that uses my local network to transfer files between my devices. As long as both devices have the app installed and are connected to the same network, I've experienced flawless transfers that complete in seconds. This makes it perfect for buzzing files across devices within the home environment, or really any location with a local network. And, as everything is done locally within your network, you can send almost anything. The app allows general files, clipboard transfers, simple text sends, entire folders, and even APKs. You can see the process for the latter below. Perhaps its greatest selling point is its cross-compatibility with major platforms. While I love the Android app's ease of use and simplicity, I've also loaded my desktop and laptop with the Windows version, allowing cable-free transfers of anything on my device. If there's a documentary I want to send to my phone, or a bunch of screenshots I need to send to my desktop, I can do so in mere seconds. LocalSend is also available for Linux distros and, notably, Apple platforms. I don't own an iPhone or a MacBook, but the app would be a must-install if I did. It reaches far beyond Quick Share. LocalSend's greatest selling point is its cross-compatibility with major platforms, including Android, Windows, and Apple OSes. It's also available as a web service if you want to try it out without installation or if you want to send a file to a home guest. Including a PIN for verifying transfers is a welcome addition, easing my security concerns when sending sensitive documents. The app also features Quick Save and Auto Finish options, which I enable between my phone and desktop to facilitate unattended transfers, significantly improving my workflow. Despite this extensive reach, setting it up is as simple as installing an app on the platform of your choice. Unlike other products, where you must set up network parameters and ports, LocalSend forgives my laziness and is as simple as install and go. While Quick Share struggles to locate devices right next to me, LocalSend excels at seamless transfers. One of my biggest gripes with Quick Share is its difficulty locating target devices. When trying to send a file to my partner via Quick Share, it takes several minutes to find her phone, though the transfer itself takes only seconds. I've encountered this problem with many other devices, leading me to lose trust in Google's service. With LocalSend, I can send files directly to her without locating her device each time — I just need to know the nickname the service assigns to her device. Additionally, LocalSend offers a multiple recipient feature for sending files to several devices at once. Quick Share still stars in some scenarios, but it's rarely ever needed Ryan Haines / Android Authority Of course, LocalSend isn't perfect in every situation. Its reliance on a local network is both its greatest strength and weakness. Sometimes, I can't use it to send files because neither of us is on a home or private network. However, I rarely need to transfer files in these situations, and when Quick Share inevitably fails, I turn to WhatsApp. It's a small price to pay for LocalSend's effectiveness in other scenarios. Quick Share remains my default choice for file sharing when I'm beyond the confines of a local network. However, LocalSend is indispensable in every other situation, and I can't imagine working or living without it.
Android Authority
06-06-2025
- Android Authority
Google's Quick Share could soon play even nicer with Samsung's Quick Share (APK teardown)
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung's Quick Share feature allows users to share files over the cloud with temporary Samsung Cloud download links. Google's Quick Share could soon be able to intercept these download links and open them within the app. This will allow for a consistent user experience between Samsung Galaxy and other Android devices. Last year, Google and Samsung joined forces to harmonize their file-sharing solutions for the greater good of the Android platform. As a result, Android's Nearby Share was renamed to Quick Share, the same as Samsung's solution on Galaxy devices. More recently, we've spotted Google and Samsung redesigning Quick Share to look similar to each other's solution. We're in for further harmonization, as Google's Quick Share will soon be able to intercept download links from Samsung's Quick Share. Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. In addition to Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth-based file transfers, Samsung Galaxy users can upload files to Quick Share and share a download link or QR code with other users. These files are temporarily stored in Samsung Cloud for 48 hours. Google Play Service v25.23.30 beta includes code that allows Google's Quick Share solution to intercept these Samsung Cloud download links. We managed to activate the feature, allowing Google's Quick Share to open the URL in its own interface instead of the default browser. Here's a video demo of the upcoming feature in action: On tapping a Samsung Cloud link, you can see that Google's Quick Share is asking to turn on Bluetooth (which is a check it does when initializing the Receive tab). Once the interface is loaded, Google's Quick Share attempts to download the file and shows a loading bar, although the title text wrongly says 'QR code scan.' You can also see the text 'If the automatic download doesn't start, you can download from your browser.' We can either wait for the download to complete, cancel it, or open the link in the default browser, where you can download the file manually. As you can see in the video demo, the feature is still a work in progress and doesn't work. If this moves ahead, it will bring an even more cohesive user experience between both versions of Quick Share, which will ultimately help the Android platform at large. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Geeky Gadgets
02-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung One UI 8 Beta: Android 16, Enhanced AI, & More Revealed!
Samsung has officially launched the beta version of One UI 8, built on Android 16, offering a polished and user-friendly experience. This update prioritizes practical enhancements over major overhauls, focusing on usability and simplifying everyday tasks. Designed to give users a preview of Samsung's evolving interface, the beta is currently available in select regions and for specific devices. Below is a detailed look at the key updates and features introduced in this release. Watch this video on YouTube. Quick Share: More Organized and Intuitive The Quick Share feature has been revamped to make file sharing faster and more efficient. The updated interface now includes separate tabs for sending and receiving files, reducing confusion and streamlining the process. Whether you're sharing photos, videos, or documents, the improved design ensures a smoother experience. Additionally, Samsung has hinted at aligning Quick Share with Android's broader sharing ecosystem, potentially enhancing cross-platform compatibility in the future. This update is particularly useful for users who frequently transfer files between devices. Revamped My Files App The My Files app has undergone a redesign to improve file management. A new 'recently added files' section has been introduced, allowing you to quickly locate downloads or newly created files without navigating through multiple folders. The app also features enhanced categories, making it easier to organize and access your content. These updates are aimed at simplifying how users interact with their device's storage, making sure a more intuitive and efficient experience. Weather App: A Visual Overhaul Samsung's Weather app has received a significant visual update, combining functionality with an engaging design. Realistic animations now depict current weather conditions, adding a dynamic and immersive element to the app. The inclusion of translucent UI elements gives it a modern and polished appearance, while the improved layout ensures that weather updates are easy to interpret. This update not only enhances the app's aesthetic appeal but also improves its usability, making it a more enjoyable tool for checking forecasts. Samsung Internet: Enhanced Browsing Experience The Samsung Internet browser has been upgraded to offer a more user-centric experience. The overflow shortcuts menu is now customizable, allowing you to prioritize frequently used actions for quicker access. Sharing content has also been simplified, making it easier to send links or media directly from the browser. These changes aim to improve productivity and convenience, particularly for users who rely on Samsung Internet for their daily browsing activities. Split-Screen Multitasking: More Versatile Multitasking capabilities have been expanded with the introduction of a 90/10 split-screen option. This feature allows you to allocate more screen space to one app while keeping another app accessible in a smaller window. Unlike previous versions, this functionality is now available on standard smartphones, not just foldable devices or tablets. This update enhances multitasking across Samsung's device lineup, making it more versatile and accessible for a wider range of users. Improved Reminder and Calendar Apps Task management has been made more seamless with updates to the Reminder and Calendar apps. The Reminder app now includes new categories and smarter suggestions, helping you organize tasks more effectively. Integration with the Calendar app ensures a unified experience, allowing you to manage events and reminders in one place. These improvements are designed to simplify workflows and help users stay organized, whether for personal or professional purposes. Availability and Device Compatibility The One UI 8 beta is currently available in select regions, including South Korea, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Supported devices include the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, but only unlocked models or T-Mobile variants in the US are eligible. Samsung has announced plans to expand both availability and compatibility in future updates. For now, access remains limited, but users in eligible regions can explore the beta to experience the latest features firsthand. Refining the User Experience Samsung's One UI 8 beta emphasizes usability and efficiency, introducing practical improvements across various apps and features. From enhanced file sharing and multitasking to redesigned apps like My Files and Weather, the update reflects Samsung's commitment to refining the user experience. While availability is currently restricted, the beta offers a promising glimpse into the future of Samsung's interface. If your device is eligible, this is an opportunity to explore the next generation of One UI and see how it can enhance your daily interactions with your smartphone. Unlock more potential in Samsung One UI 8 Beta by reading previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
How to use Quick Share — your Android's equivalent of AirDrop
There are loads of ways of sharing files between devices. You can attach them to emails or messages, upload them to cloud storage and send a link, or even store them on USB drives if you want to get physical. But there are easier ways of transferring files and, on Android, Quick Share reigns supreme. Formally called Nearby Share, Quick Share is Android's version of AirDrop on the iPhone. This feature looks for nearby devices and beam your photos, files and other information across. It's also a default app, so you should have it on your Android device ready to go. And all it takes is the tap of an icon to get started. But what if you don't have a recipient device close to hand? Don't worry. Quick Share has that covered too with links and QR codes available. So, let's check out how to use this feature and make the most of it. In most cases, you're going to be using Quick Share to share files with others so let's see how it's done. If you need to securely transfer files between nearby Android devices, Chromebooks and Windows, you need to launch the app containing the file you wish to share. For example, if you want to share a web page, you should open Chrome or if you want to share an image, launch Photos. You then need to select the file you want to share. You then need to locate the Share button. In Photos, you will see it below an open image or it may be hidden within a menu. In either case, simply tap the Share button and you will be shown a set of options. Look for and tap the Quick Share button. Your Android phone will scan for nearby devices but you will need to have a recipient device turned on and logged in. When you see a device you wish to share with, just tap that device and the file will be transferred. If the device you want to share your file with is not listed, then you can tap QR code or link instead. The QR code can then be shown to the intended recipient and, when it's scanned, the file can be downloaded. The code can be copied and sent in any way you wish — email, text and so on. Files can also be shared with a contact regardless of how near or far they are. Look under Share to Contacts and, you can either select a name or tap View Contact, then choose someone to share the file with. You may also want to be able to receive files via Quick Share but you can control how this works for you. To determine how Quick Share works on your device, launch the Settings app and select Connected devices. In some instances, you may need to tap on Connection preferences then select Quick Share, but you may also find you can immediately tap Quick Share. Now look under the category Who can share with you. By default, this is set to Contacts and that's a sensible option: it means that only trusted people can share files with you. If you're happy with this and would prefer total privacy, you can select No-one but there is also a third option. Select Done. There can be circumstances where you would like to receive a file but you wouldn't necessarily want to store that person's contact details in your phone. In this case, you can select Everyone which means your Android device is open to receiving files from any nearby device. For privacy and security, this option only remains active for 10 minutes. And there you go. You now know how to use Quick Share on your Android. There are other ways of transferring data depending on what you're trying to achieve. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. For example, you can learn how to transfer data from Android to iPhone if you are switching to an Apple device, or discover how to transfer data from Android to Android if you're sticking with Google's OS. And if you're interesting in the best file sharing apps, we've got you covered.
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Android's answer to AirDrop just got a big upgrade — here's what you need to know
Google's version of Quick Share no longer has to fear the Wi-Fi going down when trying to transfer files and images. As reported by 9to5 Google, Google has started to roll out an update to Android devices that allows them to instantly switch to mobile data if the Wi-Fi dies during the transfer. This change, which was originally spotted in the February 2025 release notes, has been spotted on devices running the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, as well as some devices running Android 15. The option to use mobile data appears as a toggle in the Quick Share menu in the Settings app, and appears below the device name and who can share with you. Now, it is worth noting that this toggle is turned on by default, so turn it off if you want to keep your data roaming charges down. For those that don't know, Quick Share allows you to effortlessly share files, images and videos with nearby people, all with the touch of a button. It's a bit like Google's answer to AirDrop, and all you have to do is select the Quick Share option from the Share window for your selected media to be transferred over. Adding this option will help to bring the Google version of the Quick Share app closer to the one seen on Samsung devices. For reference, while the two apps share a name, the Samsung version was designed to focus on communication between Samsung devices. Meanwhile, the Google version was designed to work across all Android devices, but Google has started to integrate more Samsung features into its version. This isn't the only news regarding Android 16 that's been unveiled, as Google I/O gave us our first look at Google's updated design language, called Material 3 Expressive. This new addition aims to help refresh things across Android, including apps like Gmail or Google Photos. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. We also heard during the Android show that One UI 8 for Samsung phones would see a Summer release, while Android 16 could be here as soon as June. There have been a lot of reveals thanks to Google I/O, and they can be hard to keep track off. If you want to know more then check out our full breakdown of the event and announcements.
