Google’s Nearby Sharing feature that allows us to share files and photos between devices using Chrome, is finally showing up on Chrome browser on Windows.
Google has been working on to bring AirDrop like file sharing feature to Chrome on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook devices for a while now.
To use the Nearby Sharing feature in Chrome on Windows,
- You need to enable the “Nearby Sharing” flag in Chrome browser and then need to restart the browser
- Should be using a PC with Bluetooth support and Pixel SmartPhones and Chromebook.
- For the feature to work, devices should be unlocked and closer to each other with one-foot distance and Bluetooth must be enabled.
- If you want to share files with a Chromebook by using the feature, ensure that Chromebook has Nearby share enabled in Quick Settings
If the device satisfies the above steps, visit chrome://nearby page in dev or Canary version.
Since neither we have a PC that supports Bluetooth nor we have a Chromebook available, we were not able to test the feature. If you’ve Bluetooth enabled devices available, give the Nearby Share feature a try and let us know.
Chrome already allows to share pages to smartphones via QR Code, there is no doubt this feature goes beyond that and makes file sharing between devices with Chrome easier.
Its worth noting that Windows 10 starting 1803 supports Nearby Sharing and allows to transfer of files between PC.
Related articles:
Chrome makes it easier to share Pages to Android via QR Code
Chrome Canary on Android gets Sharing hub/Custom Share Sheet
Chrome expanding Tab Freezing to Collapsed Tab Groups
Chrome Global Media Controls gets Cast and Audio device options
