Google may expand its fast file transfer service, Quick Share, to Apple devices. However, this raises some questions: is it really necessary for iOS and macOS users who already have AirDrop?
Limited Appeal for Exclusive Apple Users
Currently exclusive to Android, ChromeOS, and Windows devices, Quick Share offers an easy way to transfer photos, videos, links, and other documents. Hints found in the code of Google Nearby on GitHub suggest that iOS and macOS devices might soon be supported by this tool. While no official announcement has been made yet, this progression seems plausible.
For those who are fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem, the introduction of Quick Share might not represent a significant change. AirDrop, already seamlessly integrated into Apple devices, provides a smooth sharing experience between iPhone, iPad, and Mac without the need for installing an additional app. In this scenario, many users accustomed to AirDrop would probably see no reason to download a third-party app to perform the same tasks. Therefore, for them, the introduction of Quick Share might seem redundant.
A Solution for Multi-Platform Users
Conversely, Quick Share could prove useful for individuals who operate across multiple ecosystems. For instance, a user who owns an iPhone but uses a Chromebook, or a Mac paired with an Android smartphone, might find this solution handy. Currently, these users often have to rely on services like Snapdrop, WeTransfer, or cloud storage to transfer files between Apple and non-Apple devices. Quick Share could simplify this process by making file sharing quicker and more convenient, providing an integrated alternative.
One of the main challenges for Google will be to make Quick Share as user-friendly as AirDrop. In an ecosystem as closed as Apple’s, this could pose technical obstacles. But if Google can achieve a smooth integration of Quick Share, it could represent a step forward, following the arrival of RCS on the iPhone, towards greater interoperability between Mac, Android, and PC.
It raises the question: do you often use AirDrop
, yourself? And more importantly, does it work properly on all your devices? If you use other apps or websites to send your files from one device to another, tell us which ones!