South Africa might not have much to get excited about with the new Google Pixel, but it’s not a complete dud. Propping up the Pixel 11 is a new tap-to-share feature via Quick Share that, yes, is currently exclusive to Pixel. It won’t be that forever, though, with Samsung’s foldables next in line before other Android devices get it this year.
More of that, Google
Google reckons it’s a great way of instantly sharing contact info, and we’re betting it’s right. Get over the novelty, however, and the feature’s ability to share images and videos via a simple tap becomes the standout. Just choose the media you’d like to share, open the phone’s Share Sheet, and tap the two devices together. Voilà, it’s there.
The caveat here (there’s always a caveat) is that both devices need to be eligible to make the trade-off happen. Without ’em, you’ll be stuck sharing images and contact info the old-fashioned way — over the net. If Google manages to push the feature to most Android devices — or at least, the newer ones — it may just be a hit.
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If your first thought was “this sounds like an Apple feature,” then you’re starting to get the hang of it. Phone companies all take turns innovating, while all the rest take turns ‘borrowing ideas’ to stick in their devices and call ‘new’. This time, Google’s gone and borrowed the Fruit Company’s NameDrop and AirDrop features.
Starting today, Pixel 6 phones and up will get immediate access to the feature. Without a grey import on your side, you’ll have to wait for the next drop awaiting the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8. Google is yet to confirm which other devices will get the feature, which it says will be along later this year. We’ll be waiting.
