Android Beam
Android Beam was a feature introduced in Android devices that allowed users to share content such as web pages, contact information, maps, and more between two Android devices by simply tapping them together. It used Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to establish a connection and transfer data between devices. However, as of Android 10 (released in 2019), Android Beam was officially deprecated and is no longer available on newer Android versions.
The removal of Android Beam was mainly due to changes in Android’s approach to file sharing and data transfer. Google introduced alternative methods for sharing content, such as:
- Google Files: The Google Files app, available on the Google Play Store, allows users to share files, images, videos, and other content with nearby devices using a combination of Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth. It’s a more versatile and efficient way to transfer files between Android devices.
- Nearby Share: Google introduced Nearby Share as a built-in feature in newer versions of Android. It enables users to share files, links, and other content with nearby devices using Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi direct connection. Nearby Share is designed to be faster and more flexible than Android Beam.
- Third-Party Apps: Various third-party apps are available on the Google Play Store for sharing content between Android devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other methods. Examples include SHAREit and Xender.
While Android Beam is no longer available, Android users can take advantage of these newer and more versatile methods for sharing content between devices. The specific steps for sharing content may vary depending on the Android version and the apps or features available on your device.