Google prepares Fast Share, the replacement of Android Beam
Google has removed support for Android Beam from Android Q and itâs going to replace it with a feature called Fast share. This seems to be the same tech thatâs currently available in the Google Files app.
Fast Share works without an Internet connection. Thereâs no tap phones to share here, you see a list of nearby devices (this required Bluetooth and Location to be turned on). Once you pick a receiving device and they accept, the data is transferred over Wi-Fi.
Pictures, URL and short snippets of text can be shared. Interestingly, it looks like Fast Share will work not just with Android phones, but also smartwatches, Chrome OS devices and even iPhones.
You need to enable Fast Share to make your device visible to others. However, the Preferred Visibility function lets your friends send you things even when the feature is turned off.
Fast Share is currently available on Android Q-running Pixels, though older devices should receive it as an update to Google Services. There's no official word on when this feature will launch, however.