Google just took a huge step forward in facilitating cross-platform compatibility by allowing Android's Quick Share function to work in sync with Apple's AirDrop, unlocking seamless file transfers between Android smartphones and Apple iPhones for the first time ever.
Now you can transfer files seamlessly between Android and Apple devices by using the AirDrop and Quick Share functions
Starting today, Google Pixel 10 devices will be able to use the Quick Share function on their devices to transfer files to iPhones.
It remains unclear whether Apple collaborated with Google to facilitate this compatibility shakeup, or if the creator of Android OS managed to securely reverse engineer Apple's AirDrop feature on its own. While the technology that powers AirDrop is proprietary, it does leverage open standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.
Of course, if Apple did collaborate with Google, it would not be the first time that such a synergy has materialized. After all, the two tech titans previously collaborated with each other to bring RCS messaging and unknown tracker alerts to both of their ecosystems.
Google notes that for an Apple device to receive a file from the Pixel 10's Quick Share function, the AirDrop's visibility must be set to "Everyone" for at least 10 minutes prior to the transfer. Similarly, a Pixel 10 device trying to receive a file via AirDrop must set Quick Share into its "Receiving" mode.
According to Google, the communication channel between Quick Share and AirDrop has been secured by:
- Using the "memory-safe" programming language Rust, whose compiler enforces strict ownership and borrowing rules at compile time, which guarantees memory safety.
- Conducting internal threat modeling, privacy reviews, and red team penetration tests, as well as engaging with NetSPI to further validate the security of this file transfer feature.
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