Google has suddenly changed the name of its file sharing tool from Nearby Share to Quick Share, which Samsung calls its own tool.
It's a random move that has people scratching their heads and wondering what this could mean for Android in the future. This update appears to have been discovered by industry insider Kamila Wojiciechowska showed 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 installing version 23.50.13 of Google Mobile Services.
In addition to the new name, Google has changed the logo for the feature and the user interface. The logo now consists of two arrows moving towards each other in a semi-circular motion on a blue background. As for the UI, it now shows a Quick Settings tile for quick configuration, text explaining what the different options do, and an easier-to-use interface. There's even a new option that allows people to limit Quick Share visibility to ten minutes.
Wojieciechowska states that this update is not available everywhere, and that the change in the Nearby share is also not common among those who do receive the patch. This may be something that only a handful will receive. She admits she doesn't understand why Google is doing this, although evidence suggests it could be the start of a new partnership between the two companies.
Start of a new partnership
Android Authority in their report claims that Wojieciechowska discovered evidence of a “migration education stream” for Quick Share after searching the Play Services app. This could indicate that Google and Samsung are combining their file sharing tools into one. Or at least 'make it interoperable'.
If this is the case, two of the biggest Android brands joining forces to unify their services could be a huge benefit to users. If this is any evidence, the currently separate and similarly behaved features could merge into one that will work with both Galaxy and non-Galaxy smartphones. It's a quality of life upgrade that reduces software clutter.
However, Android Authority makes it clear that there is no concrete evidence that the two tools will merge. It's just given the circumstances that seems to be the case. Plus, it would all be meaningless if it wasn't the result of an upcoming collaboration. Think about it. Why would Google decide to name one of its mobile tools the same as a competitor's software? That could confuse users.
There must be something more to it, so we reached out to both companies for more information. This story will be updated at a later date.
Until then, check out Ny Breaking's list of the best smartphones for 2023.