First Look at Nearby Sharing – Google’s AirDrop Clone for Android

Apple’s AirDrop feature has become synonymous with ecosystem synergy, as it makes the task of transferring files across Apple devices a trivial affair, eliminating the need to rely on any third-party solutions. In this area, Android has lagged behind, because the open-source OS has had to rely on third-party solutions to accomplish the task of local file transfer. We did have Android Beam for several years, but the feature was underutilized and undermarketed, and eventually, deprecated. It is only now that some of the major players are waking up to build competing solutions — Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo have teamed up for a cross-device file transfer solution; Samsung is also working on its own solution in the form of Quick Share; and Google was also working on its own solution in the form of Fast Share, which recently got renamed to Nearby Sharing ahead of its impending release. XDA Recognized Developer Quinny899 notified us that he managed to activate Nearby Sharing on his device, allowing us to activate it ourselves and catch a glimpse of the feature in action before it gets officially unveiled by Google.

An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.

In the video below, we test out wireless file transfer between a Google Pixel 2 XL and a Google Pixel 4, both running Android 10; but Quinny899 demonstrated it working between his Google Pixel 2 XL and his OnePlus 7T Pro. Thus, we believe this feature should be generally accessible for Android devices with Google Play Services pre-installed, though we can’t be absolutely sure until Google flips the switch and enables the feature for all users.

I had the contact visibility set to “hidden” on my Pixel 2 XL, so every time I wanted to accept a file transfer request from my Pixel 4, I had to pull down the Quick Settings panel on my Pixel 2 XL and select the Nearby Sharing Quick Settings tile. I first transferred a single image from my Pixel 4 to my Pixel 2 XL and then opened it up in an image viewer. Then I transferred three images files from my Pixel 4 to my Pixel 2 XL — in this case, I wasn’t able to open them in an image viewer, but the files were all stored in /DCIM/Nearby Sharing which made them easily accessible. Finally, I transferred one video file over from the Pixel 4 to the Pixel 2 XL. All of the transfers happened pretty quickly because Nearby Sharing uses WiFi for file transferring.

There are still a few rough edges here and there that Google needs to smoothen before releasing Nearby Sharing for all GMS-enabled devices. But as we demonstrate above, the feature looks about ready for release. Android just might go from having no first-party AirDrop competitor to at least three AirDrop competitors in the next month. Google’s Nearby Sharing might turn out to be superior because of its universality across Android devices, as opposed to Samsung and OPPO-Vivo-Xiaomi’s solution, but the others could also give an edge to their services with tighter and more prominent integrations across the UX and their own apps. We’ll find out soon enough.

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Thanks to PNF Software for providing us a license to use JEB Decompiler, a professional-grade reverse engineering tool for Android applications.

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Google App 10.93 prepares an incognito in-app browser, contact name pronunciation, and more

Google offers a variety of different apps on Android, but no app single app from the company is as versatile as the Google App. The app offers several services and is home to Google Search, Google Discover, Google Podcasts, Google Assistant, and Google Lens. And as a bonus, the company keeps adding more new features and design changes with every update. More often than not, we’re able to spot these upcoming features in teardowns of the app and, at times, we’re even able to manually enable them before they’re officially released. For instance, an APK teardown of the latest version of the Google App (v10.93.8.29) revealed a new feature that would allow you to train the Google Assistant’s pronunciation for contacts. And now, our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman, has managed to unearth even more unreleased features in the same update.

In-app Incognito browser

Google has been working on adding an in-app browser to the Google App for a few versions now and it appears to be more or less functional now. In the Settings menu of the latest version, Mishaal spotted a “Hide Explicit Results” button that opened an in-app browser. This new in-app browser said that it wouldn’t save any data. While it’s possible for Google to just launch Chrome in Incognito mode, the in-app incognito browser is most likely aimed at less tech-savvy users who only wish to search the Internet using the Google App.

As you can see in the screenshots above, the in-app incognito browser is quite barebones and only offers a Favorite button, a Share button, and a three-dot menu button that only has two settings. The menu includes a toggle to turn on the in-app browser and an option to clear browsing data.

Household contacts

The app also includes a new Household contacts feature that was first announced earlier this year at the CES 2020 trade show, alongside the Household notes feature. This new feature, as the name suggests, will allow you to add your most important contacts on “speed dial” on your Assistant-powered smart speakers or displays.

Once set up, Household contacts will allow anyone to dial one of the included contacts by saying “Hey Google, call (contact name)” or by tapping on the name in the household contacts list on your smart display. The record pronunciation feature, which was earlier discovered in the APK teardown, was also spotted in the Household contacts feature, allowing you to train the Assistant to pronounce the names of your family members or other important contacts.

Quick actions in the Google App Updates tab

Along with the upcoming record pronunciation feature, in-app incognito browser, and household contacts, the update also hints at new quick actions in the Updates tab. If you tap on the “Updates” tab in the Google app, you’ll see a feed of things from your commute, calendar, reminders, etc.

Mishaal managed to surface a floating action button that, when tapped, had shortcuts to useful Google Assistant features, including shortcuts to set a reminder, create an event, add an item to a shopping list, and take a quick note.

As of now, none of the aforementioned features are live on the Google App and there’s no information from the company regarding their release. It’s worth noting that since these features are currently still a work in progress, Google might make some significant changes before they’re released to the public.

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TWRP is now officially available for the Xiaomi Mi A3 and Redmi Note 8 Pro

For many of us enthusiasts, after unlocking the bootloader, the next step almost always involves replacing the stock recovery with a custom recovery like TWRP, enabling us to enjoy custom ROMs and other mods on our devices. One of the reasons why TWRP is so widely popular compared to other custom recoveries is the sheer number of Android smartphones it supports, with new devices being added to the project on a regular basis. Two new devices have just been added to the list of officially supported devices: the Xiaomi Mi A3 and Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Xiaomi Mi A3

The Xiaomi Mi A3 has had an unofficial port of TWRP available for a while now but if you were one of those holding out for the official build, your wait is finally over — official TWRP is now available for your device. Before you go ahead and set up your phone and PC‌ for the flashing process though, make sure to take some time to read through the flashing instruction. This is because the Xiaomi Mi A3 uses the A/B partition system which doesn’t work well with the standard flashing method. So instead of flashing the recovery with the usual fastboot flash recovery twrp.img command, you will have to boot into recovery from the command line using the fastboot boot twrp.img command. From there you’ll have to navigate to the Advanced > Install Recovery Ramdisk option, select the TWRP recovery image stored on your device storage and manually flash it.

Download Official TWRP for Xiaomi Mi A3

Xiaomi Mi A3 XDA Forum || Buy the Xiaomi Mi A3 from Amazon.in

Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Redmi Note 8 is now also officially supported by TWRP. However, be warned that unlike other Snapdragon-powered Redmi devices, the Redmi Note 8 Pro isn’t very forgiving when it comes to flashing and modding. You may even end up hard bricking your Redmi Note 8 Pro if you commit any error or don’t follow the instructions properly. If you understand the risk involved and still wish to try out TWRP, head over to the link below to download the recovery image and follow along with the flashing instructions.

WARNING: This device hard bricks easily for reasons that have not been properly understood yet. Restoring this device without spending real money or visiting a service center is impossible as of now. Don’t flash TWRP unless you are an advanced user who knows what he is doing.

Download official TWRP for Redmi Note 8 Pro

Redmi Note 8 Pro XDA Forum || Buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro from Amazon.in

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Samsung is working to integrate Google Duo into One UI’s Messages app

Google Duo is one of the most popular video calling apps on Android. It was released along with Allo in 2016. While Allo was retired in favor of RCS in Android Messages, Google Duo has survived the test of time and has become a success story. It remains Google’s first-party video calling app on Android even after three years, which was a feat that Hangouts couldn’t achieve. Duo is a part of Google Mobile Services (GMS), and it has been integrated in Messages, which is Google’s app for SMS and RCS on Android. Now, a report by The Korea Herald states that Samsung is expected to integrate Google Duo in its Samsung Messages–its own SMS and RCS messaging app on One UI. The report has been corroborated by an APK teardown done by 9to5Google.

The Korea Herald states that Samsung’s upcoming phones (the Galaxy S20 series and the flip phone Galaxy Z Flip) are expected to feature a video chat service supported by Android, that is Google Duo. There ongoing trilateral talks going on between Samsung, South Korean mobile carrier SK Telecom and Google on starting a video messaging service on Samsung’s Android phones. This plan includes linking Google Duo with Samsung Messages. Users will be able to make video messages of less than 5MB without any data charges. This would be the differentiating factor when compared with a simple download of the app; Samsung’s integration will be based on RCS.

The report states that the video chat service would be usable alongside the default messaging feature on Samsung phones supported by carriers SKT, KT, and LG Uplus in South Korea, and users won’t have to download the app or pay any extra charges for using it. At CES this month, SKT’s CEO hinted that Samsung’s upcoming clamshell foldable phone may feature a video chat service, supported by RCS. This foldable phone is said to be called the Galaxy Z Flip, and most of its specifications have been detailed by Max. The Korea Herald also quotes a Samsung official as stating that Samsung is planning to launch various types of foldable phones under the Galaxy Z series.

9to5Google did an APK teardown of the latest version of Samsung Messages and found strings that have a direct mention of users being able to call someone using either Google Duo or the default video calling app of their phone. This would make it similar to Android Messages, where users can tap a button in the message screen to initiate a Duo call with the person they are conversing with. The full details of the integration are said to be unclear as Samsung or Google haven’t made an announcement yet.

The Samsung Messages app’s assets contain the monochrome and color versions of Google Duo as well as a logo to denote an audio-only Duo call. The 9to5Google report states that one of the icons seems to be placed side-by-side with the call, search, and menu buttons found along the top of the conversation view. The final piece of the evidence is that Samsung Messages is preparing a way to create an Android Intent to start a Google Duo video call to a particular phone number, which is the expected result of a user’s action to tap the upcoming Duo button.

As of now, it remains unknown whether the Samsung Messages-Google Duo integration will be based on RCS only in South Korea or will it work globally. The advantage of RCS-based integration is that it will save users’ costs. It’s probable to expect an announcement of the feature to be made in the coming weeks.

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Source 1: The Korea Herald | Source 2: 9to5Google

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Huawei’s suppliers in USA could face further restrictions

Huawei’s trouble with the US doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. As per the latest report from Bloomberg, US companies could soon face further restrictions supplying equipment to the Chinese smartphone giant. For the unaware, Huawei was blacklisted by the Trump administration as it was deemed to be a security threat. This prevented many US companies, including Google and ARM, from doing business with the Chinese company. As a result, Huawei was forced to release its flagship Mate 30 lineup of Android smartphones without any US-made components or Google Play Services. The restrictions also prompted Huawei to release its own HMS Core — an alternative to Google Play Services.

Even though Huawei received some temporary relief from the ban in the second half of 2019, the restriction is expected to have cost the company millions of dollars in revenue. Despite the ban, however, some US suppliers managed to work around the rules to continue sending some electronic components to Huawei. These companies cited rules that limit the US government’s ability to restrict exports when 75% of the work done in creating the items happened outside the US. The US administration is now debating increasing this threshold to 90%, which is expected to have catastrophic consequences for Huawei.

As of now, this new rule is with the Office of Management and Budget and could be approved shortly, according to people familiar with the matter. Additionally, another new regulation that governs the direct supply of products is under consideration by the Commerce Department. This rule could make its way through the process in a matter of weeks and it will apply to products that are designed in the US, but manufactured entirely overseas, said the people. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross clarified that the ultimate goal of these new rules isn’t to cut Huawei off from all American suppliers but to protect national security.

It’s worth noting that Huawei is one of the world’s largest purchasers of chips. If the new rules are passed, US semiconductor manufacturers will also take a massive hit. US manufacturers have argued that a complete ban on Huawei could be counterproductive as many of the parts Huawei needs can be bought from non-US providers. The industry is also worried that the ban could limit access to the Chinese market which could, in turn, slow down investments in research and development.

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Source: Bloomberg

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Google I/O 2020 will take place from May 12-14

Google is known for using cryptic puzzles as a way to announce the date of its annual Google I/O developer conference. Back in 2017, the search giant published an online brain teaser containing the dates of Google I/O 2017. The next year, the company shared a puzzle through the Google Developers Twitter account, which redirected users to the Google I/O 2018 website that had been turned into an escape room-style Google Maps Street View experience in a Google campus building. Last year, the company released another cryptic message to announce the dates for Google I/O 2019 and fans were expecting the company to share a similar enigma this year as well. However, it seems like Google has now given up on this annual ritual as the company’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, recently took to Twitter to announce the dates for Google I/O 2020.

Cosmos aligned. We’ll be back at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View for this year’s #GoogleIO on May 12-14! pic.twitter.com/3bZqriaoi1

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) January 24, 2020

Pichai, who was appointed as the CEO of both Alphabet and Google towards the end of last year, shared a short GIF on the micro-blogging platform along with the dates for Google I/O 2020. As per his tweet, Google I/O will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California from May 12-14. At this year’s I/O developer conference, we expect Google to showcase the next major Android release — Android 11. Much like last year, the company is also expected to share new features and updates for its vast portfolio of apps. The company might also release new hardware, including an update for the Pixel 3a series which was showcased at the event last year.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip rumored to have dual 12MP cameras, wireless charging, Snapdragon 855+

The last few weeks have been flooded by Samsung leaks and rumors thanks to our very own Max Weinbach. Most of the attention has been given to the Galaxy S20 series, but we shouldn’t forget a new foldable phone is also on the way. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip has shown up a couple of times already and today we’re filling in a few more details.

The Galaxy Z Flip is a different type of foldable phone than the Galaxy Fold, hence the different name. While the Galaxy Fold is essentially a tablet that can fold into the size of a phone, the Z Flip is a phone that can fold vertically into a very compact package. We’ve already seen some leaked live images of this device and it’s the same idea as the Motorola Razr reboot. While we have a good idea of what it looks like, specifications have been harder to come by.

So Galaxy Z Flip. Capacitive fingerprint scanner on the side. Dual 12MP cameras, wide and ultra wide. 15W charging. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are supported.

It will use “Samsung Ultra Thin Glass” which has crease. It will use a Dynamic AMOLED display.

— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) January 23, 2020

Earlier this week, we learned about some of the Galaxy Z Flip specifications. Today, Max has tweeted some further details, reiterating some of those specs, and sharing new ones. He says the display will indeed be Dynamic AMOLED and it will feature “Samsung Ultra Thin Glass.” He also mentions 15W charging, which has been rumored in the past.

Some of the more interesting details in the tweets include dual 12MP cameras on the back. We knew it would have one 12MP camera, but we didn’t know the use of the second, which will apparently have a wide-angle lens. Max also says the Galaxy Z Flip will have wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, just like the Galaxy Fold.  The small display on the front can be used as a viewfinder as well. And there will be a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner.

Last, but not least, Max is saying the device will be powered by the Snapdragon 855+, not the 865, which is something that has been up in the air. Previously, we had heard a number of specifications for the Galaxy Z Flip. It’s said to have a 6.7-inch display, 10MP camera up front, 256GB of storage, 3,300-3,500mAh battery, and black and purple colorways. The Galaxy Z Flip should be announced at Unpacked next month.

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