Pixel 10 Now Works With AirDrop
▼ Summary
– Google announced Pixel 10 owners can now send and receive files with Apple devices using AirDrop, including iPhones, iPads, and macOS devices.
– To use this feature, Apple device owners must set their device to be discoverable to anyone, and Pixel 10 users can then see and send files via Quick Share.
– The transfer works both ways, requiring the Pixel 10 to be discoverable or in receive mode for Apple users to initiate an AirDrop transfer.
– Google states the connection is direct and peer-to-peer, ensuring data is not routed through servers, logged, or shared with extra data.
– This feature is currently limited to the Pixel 10 series and was implemented without Apple’s involvement, with Google expressing interest in collaborating to enable “Contacts Only” mode in the future.
Google has just delivered a major surprise for Pixel 10 users, announcing full compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop for seamless file sharing between Android and iOS devices. This new functionality allows owners of the latest Pixel 10 models to send and receive files directly with iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. While the feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 series, a Google spokesperson indicated that the company plans to expand this capability to other devices in the future.
To initiate a file transfer from a Pixel 10 to an Apple device, the recipient must first adjust their AirDrop settings to be discoverable by everyone, with an option to set this for a maximum of ten minutes. Once that’s done, the Pixel owner can locate the Apple device using the Quick Share menu and send the file. On the Apple side, the incoming transfer appears as a standard AirDrop request, which the user can approve to begin the exchange.
The process also works in reverse for receiving files from Apple devices. The Pixel 10 must be set to a discoverable mode or placed into receive mode. The Apple user then starts an AirDrop, the Pixel user accepts the request, and the file is transferred directly between the two devices.
A detailed post on Google’s security blog explains that the implementation uses a direct peer-to-peer connection, ensuring user data is never stored on a server, file transfers are not logged, and no additional personal information is exchanged. This approach is designed to maintain privacy and security throughout the sharing process.
However, Google’s announcement did not mention any collaboration with Apple on the feature. The blog post expressed a desire to work with Apple in the future to enable a “Contacts Only” mode for AirDrop, which would provide an additional layer of user control. Google also shared that an independent security review was conducted by NetSPI, seemingly to address potential objections from Apple regarding the compatibility.
It’s important to note that this interoperability is not yet a standard Android feature, it is limited to Google’s own Pixel 10 phones for now. Still, this development represents a significant move toward breaking down barriers between major mobile ecosystems. With the recent adoption of RCS messaging on iPhones improving cross-platform communication, this new file-sharing capability marks another meaningful step in creating a more connected and user-friendly experience across different operating systems.
(Source: The Verge)
