Android to Introduce Nearby contact Sharing Feature, Mirroring Apple’s NameDrop
Google is developing a feature for Android that will allow users to easily share contact details by bringing their devices close together, a functionality similar to Apple’s NameDrop introduced wiht iOS 17 in 2023. The upcoming tool, currently dubbed “Contact Exchange,” aims to streamline the process of exchanging details without the need for QR codes or manual entry.
Apple’s NameDrop, launched with iOS 17, enables users to share “Contact Posters” – customizable cards displaying a name and photo – simply by holding their iPhones near each other. This also facilitates initiating shareplay sessions for shared media experiences.
The Android version, as revealed in recent reports, will allow users to select which contact fields (photo, name, phone number, email) they wish to share. A “Receive only” option will also be available, preventing any information from being shared back to the initiating device.Upon prosperous transfer, Android will display a confirmation screen, allowing users to save the received contact details to their phone and google account.
google previously introduced “Calling Cards” in its Contacts app, which allow for expressive contact poster creation – a feature that mirrors the visual aspect of Apple’s Contact Posters. The development of Contact Exchange suggests Google is continuing to draw inspiration from successful iOS features to enhance the Android user experiance.
While a public release date for Contact Exchange remains unconfirmed, its development indicates google’s commitment to simplifying contact sharing on Android devices.
