Apps
Quick Share coming to iOS and macOS?
Google Quick Share is a tool for sharing files for Android, which might be on its way to iPhones and Macs. Recent updates to Google’s Nearby Connections hint at this possibility. A Google engineer also mentioned that changes could help Quick Share work better on Apple devices running iOS and macOS.
Currently, Quick Share allows Android users to share photos, videos, and links easily. It also has an app for Windows computers. If Quick Share becomes available for iOS and macOS, it would help people who use both Android and Apple devices share files more easily.
According to Mishaal Rahman (via AndroidAuthority), the source code of Nearby Connections available on GitHub indicates that Google might be working on a Quick Share app for iOS and macOS devices. Although there’s no clear evidence, a comment from a Google engineer suggests that it could be in the works.
Engineer comment: [For] iOS and macOS, the device name is already localized and generally works well for Quick Share purposes (i.e. “Niko’s MacBook Pro”), so avoid using the non-localized account name and device type concatenation.
But the question is would people use Quick Share on iPhones and Macs? Several users have both types of devices like an Android phone with a MacBook or an iPad or iPhone, so some might find it helpful. However, iPhone users often prefer the built-in sharing options.
If Google decides to launch Quick Share for Apple devices, it may mostly benefit Android users who also have Apple products. Stay tuned for more information.
Nearby Share’s ‘use mobile data’ toggle arriving on Quick Share
Google is making it easier for users to manage sensitive images in the Messages app with a new feature, Sensitive Content Warnings. This feature will protect users from unexpected nudity in the messages they receive. It is expected to be available soon for the Messages app.
Following last month’s announcement, new insights from an APK teardown (via Android Authority) of the latest Google Messages Beta reveal how the upcoming Sensitive Content Warnings feature will work to protect users from unwanted nudity. It will be available on devices running Android 9 and newer, including Android Go devices.
When a photo that might contain sensitive content is sent, it will automatically be blurred. Users will have the option to either view the image or ignore it. Both the sender and the receiver will see warnings about the sensitive content.
These warnings will include reminders and advice like, “The person in this photo may not have agreed to share it with others,” and notifications stating, “You’re seeing this because sensitive content warnings are on.”
Notably, this feature will work on users’ devices without affecting the end-to-end encryption used in RCS chats. For users under 18, the feature will be available as an optional opt-out through Android Settings.
The latest Google Messages beta shows that this new feature is being actively developed and is expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
WhatsApp has introduced a gallery shortcut in its latest update for Android users. This new option allows users to access their photo and video gallery directly from the chat bar.
With the fresh update, the chat bar has now a new gallery icon that replaces the camera shortcut. This change makes it faster for users to access their stored photos and videos without going through multiple steps.
Users can simply tap the new gallery button to browse their media. However, they can still press and hold the button to record instant video messages, so this important feature remains available.
Previously, WhatsApp added a quick reply feature for video messages to make it easier to respond. Now, a new gallery icon is under testing for the WhatsApp chat bar that replaces the camera shortcut.
Currently, the gallery shortcut feature is available only to a limited group of beta testers with WhatsApp Beta version 2.24.23.11 for Android devices. The company seems to be testing this update to gather feedback.
Some users may prefer quick access to the gallery, while others might miss the old camera shortcut. For now, those who have access to the gallery shortcut can enjoy a faster way to share photos and videos.
WhatsApp now lets you easily organize chats with custom lists
Google is going to introduce Google Wallet for kids in 2025. This new feature will allow children to make payments right from their phones. Building on Family Link service, the Google Wallet app helps parents keep track of their kids’ device usage.
Earlier this year, Google Wallet for Kids launched on the Fitbit Ace, but now it’s expanding to smartphones. As cash use declines and contactless payments become more common, Google is ready to expand it Walllet option to kids’ devices (via 9to5Google).
Google Wallet app will work on Android devices that are set up with Family Link. While Google hasn’t listed specific compatible devices yet, it’s possible that Pixel phones will get it first before it becomes available on other Android phones including Samsung.
When Google Wallet is available, parents will have tools to manage their kids’ spending. They will be able to see what their children are buying which helps to teach them about money management.
Moreover, this new feature will make it easier for kids to make purchases while giving parents the ability to monitor their spending. Parents can look forward to this upgrade, as it offers a safe way for children to handle money. Stay tuned with us for more updates.