Google’s Nearby Share tool appears to adopt Samsung’s similar utility name and we wonder what’s going on

The update also introduces a new UI and logo to Nearby Share

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Googlehas suddenly changed the name of its file-sharing tool from Nearby Share to Quick Share which is whatSamsungcalls its own tool.

It’s a random move that has people scratching their heads wondering what it could mean forAndroidin the future. This update appears to have been discovered by industry insider Kamila Wojiciechowska whodisplayed her findings on X(the platform formerly known as Twitter). Wojiciechowska revealed that she received a notification on her phone informing her of the change after installingGoogleMobile Services version 23.50.13.

In addition to the new name, Google altered the logo for the feature as well as the user interface. The logo will now consist of two arrows moving toward each other in a half-circle motion on a blue background. Regarding the UI, it will now display a Quick Settings tile for fast configuration, text explaining what the various options do, and an easier-to-use interface. There’s even a new ability, allowing people to restrict Quick Share visibility down to ten minutes.

Wojieciechowska states this update is not widely available nor is the Nearby Share change common among the people who do receive the patch. This may be something only a handful will receive. She admits to being confused as to why Google is doing this, although it appears this could be the start of a new collaboration between the two companies according to found evidence.

Start of a new partnership

Android Authority in their reportclaims Wojieciechowska discovered proof of a “migration education flow” for Quick Share after digging through the Play Services app. This could suggest Google and Samsung are combining their file-sharing tools into one. Or at the very least, “making them interoperable”.

If this is the case, two of the biggest Android brands coming together to unify their services could be a huge benefit for users. Currently separate and similarly behaving features might, if this is any evidence, coalesce into one that’ll work with both Galaxy and non-Galaxy smartphones alike. It’s a quality-of-life upgrade that’ll reduce software clutter.

Android Authority makes it clear, though, that there isn’t any concrete proof stating the two tools will merge. It’s just given the set of circumstances that seems to be the case. Plus, the whole thing wouldn’t make sense if it wasn’t the result of an upcoming collaboration. Think about it. Why would Google decide to give one of its mobile tools the same name as one of its competitor’s software? That might confuse users.

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There has to be something more to it so we reached out to both companies for more information. This story will be updated at a later time.

Until then, check out TechRadar’s list of thebest smartphone for 2023.

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Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry for several years now specializing in consumer electronics, entertainment devices, Windows, and the gaming industry. But he’s also passionate about smartphones, GPUs, and cybersecurity.

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