Google might rebrand Nearby Share

 Google might rebrand Nearby Share into something Samsung users know better

Android's Nearby Share may undergo a rebranding to Quick Share, aligning with Samsung's file sharing tool for Galaxy phones.  The details were revealed by a Google Play services beta, which also disclosed the new Quick Share icon and a redesigned Settings pane.  Google and Samsung could announce this new collaboration during next year's Unpacked event. 

Google is reportedly rebranding Nearby Share to Quick Share, complete with a new name and icon integrated throughout Android's UI. Quick Share is the branding Samsung uses for its own file-sharing service, although Nearby Share is also currently available on Galaxy phones. This rebranding could be Google's way of simplifying file sharing across different platforms and devices, especially for Samsung users. Android's version of AirDrop could be in for a name change, as per reliable sources.

To be clear, this version of Google Play services (GMS) and the corresponding rebrand doesn't appear to be widely rolling out yet. On top of the change in name and the new icon, the Settings page for Quick Share also gets a bit of a revamp. Android's Nearby Share is a handy tool to send files seamlessly between devices in your vicinity. Samsung has its own version of this file sharing tool called Quick Share, serving a similar purpose but for Galaxy devices. It's now coming to light that Google is prepping to rebrand Nearby Share as Quick Share, sparking speculation about this being part of a collaboration between Google and Samsung.

There's buzz about Google renaming Nearby Share to Quick Share, according to sources. It was spotted the change after installing a recent GMS (Google Mobile Services) update with version 23.50.13. It was noted that a notification was received about the rebranding, announcing the shift to "Quick Share." Besides the fresh moniker, the service flaunts a new icon featuring two arrows facing each other with semi circular tails. In contrast, the current icon sports a pair of wavy blue lines intertwined.

Sources hints at something bigger than a name swap, there's a chance Google and Samsung are planning to merge their file-sharing services or, at the very least, make them play nice together. Currently, Samsung users juggle between the native Quick Share and Google's Nearby Share when sharing files. It's a bit of a head-scratcher. But if the gossip about a merger is true, we could be looking at a future where there's just one option to rule them all, working seamlessly on both Samsung and other Android devices.

Google didn't apparently stop at just the icon facelift. The search giant went ahead and updated the branding everywhere you look on Android. Another source also caught on to this, noting that the new Quick Share name is all over the place, from the Quick Settings tile to the discoverability dialog and even the file-sharing interface. It seems like this is just a name change and a fresh new icon. The way you share files and stuff stays the same. If this is accurate, it's interesting that Google picked the name Quick Share, which happens to be the same name Samsung uses for its file-sharing solution on Galaxy phones.

Since this is still technically a leak, it's hard to know the reasoning behind the rebrand. But considering the close working relationship between the two companies, like with Wear OS, for example, a collaboration for a consolidated file sharing service wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibilities. Of course, Google is no stranger to rebranding its products, so this upcoming change shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

As for Samsung Galaxy device owners, this move would mean they'll no longer find the Nearby Share option on their phones while initiating a Quick Share transfer. Samsung currently offers both methods of file transfer, but the rebranding would mean users would (finally) have only one option to choose from. There's currently no indication to suggest that this consolidated file sharing option would differ from Nearby Share, barring minor UI changes. Nearby Share made its Android debut back in mid-2020, with Samsung Quick Share breaking cover on the Galaxy S20 series earlier that year. Both serve a similar purpose, with the primary goal being to act as a viable Apple AirDrop alternative for their respective ecosystems. 

Samsung and Google might have something to share about this branding change during next month's Unpacked event, which will host the unveiling of three new Galaxy S24 smartphones. The flagships have already leaked in their entirety, leaving little to the imagination. Meanwhile, Samsung is also expected to announce some new AI capabilities with the Galaxy S24 trio, finally catching up with the likes of the Google Pixel 8 Pro.