Last year, Google and Samsung merged their Android file-sharing systems, Nearby Share and Quick Share, to create a unified Quick Share. While Samsung maintains the service on Galaxy devices, Google looks after it for the rest of the Android ecosystem. Going forward, Samsung plans to similarly branch out Quick Share for its Windows PCs, i.e., the Galaxy Book lineup.
Google and Samsung streamline Quick Share on PCs
Currently, the Quick Share app for Windows PCs is maintained by Google. However, the company will soon end support for Galaxy Books, as Samsung plans to offer its own Quick Share on its PCs. Well, the app already exists, but there are some compatibility issues. The two firms have worked closely to mitigate those, ensuring seamless file sharing between all Android and Windows devices.
Now, “Quick Share from Google” will simply call “Quick Share”. The release notes for the Quick Share on Windows version 1.0.2180.0 mention, “Support for the Google Quick Share app on Samsung PCs will be terminated on May 28, 2025, at which time the Google Quick Share app on Samsung PCs will redirect the user to install the Quick Share app from Samsung”.
This means Galaxy Book users will need to install the Samsung version of Quick Share rather than the Google-made app. The two versions will remain compatible with each other, similar to how Quick Share works between Galaxy phones and other Android devices. The latest version of Google’s app also fixed an issue that caused the app to crash, as well as improved GATT advertising reliability.
For the uninitiated, Quick Share on Windows allows users to share content between Windows PC and Android devices. Users can easily send and receive photos, documents, and other files between nearby Android devices and Windows PCs. The unified platform uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to enable fast and secure file transfers between compatible devices.
The two companies have been working on this transition since early 2024. After a lengthy delay, it is happening next month. If you are a Galaxy Book user and currently using Google’s Quick Share app, you should install Samsung’s version soon, as Google will end support for its Quick Share app on May 28.
