What's happened
Google has updated Android's Quick Share to support Apple's AirDrop, starting with Pixel 10. The feature allows cross-platform file sharing via peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, leveraging EU regulations and Wi-Fi standards. Support is limited to recent devices and software updates, with plans to expand.
What's behind the headline?
The integration of AirDrop support into Android via Quick Share signifies a strategic shift driven by regulatory pressure and technological standardization. The EU's Digital Markets Act compelled Apple to deprecate its proprietary AWDL protocol in favor of Wi-Fi Aware, opening the door for Android devices to connect seamlessly. Google's emphasis on security, citing Rust's memory safety, underscores the importance of secure cross-platform sharing. This development will likely accelerate interoperability, reducing friction for users with mixed device ecosystems. However, support remains limited to recent hardware and OS versions, indicating that full adoption will take time. The move also subtly challenges Apple's ecosystem dominance, potentially prompting other automakers and tech firms to push for broader compatibility.
What the papers say
Andrew Cunningham of Ars Technica highlights that Google's Quick Share now supports AirDrop on Pixel 10, emphasizing the regulatory influence of the EU's Digital Markets Act and the technical shift to Wi-Fi Aware. Meanwhile, Jonathan M. Gitlin discusses the broader implications for Android Auto and automotive AI, noting Google's recent Gemini upgrade and its integration into vehicles like Polestar. The articles collectively suggest that regulatory pressures are catalyzing a move toward greater interoperability across platforms, with Google positioning itself as a facilitator of seamless device integration. The contrast between Apple's proprietary protocols and Google's support for open standards illustrates a broader industry trend toward standardization, driven by legal and technological factors.
How we got here
Google's move to support AirDrop compatibility follows EU regulations under the Digital Markets Act, which mandated Apple to adopt interoperable wireless standards like Wi-Fi Aware. Previously, AirDrop used proprietary protocols, but recent updates now align with standardized Wi-Fi protocols, enabling cross-platform sharing. Google's Android has supported Wi-Fi Aware since version 8.0, but compatibility with AirDrop depends on device updates and OS versions.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company based in Palo Alto, California. The company specializes in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery energy storage from home to grid scale and, through its acquisition of SolarCity, solar
-
Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.