We've known about Google's new project for some time, the goal of which was to launch a service that would allow users to send files and messages to other users nearby. Well, now we have new details about it. It would be called Google Co-presence, and we could send files, messages, or voice messages to other users using WiFi and Bluetooth. It will be compatible with Android and iOS.
With the advent of internet access, we forget that our phones have connectivity that allows us to connect with other users nearby using systems like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, The latter can be very useful If we don't have internet, if our connection isn't entirely stable, or simply if we prefer not to waste data sending a very large file. On the other hand, if we're going to send a video to several people and we want to use the internet, not only will we spend data uploading it, but those contacts will also spend data downloading it. And often, what we want to send is to people who are nearby. It's not uncommon, for example, to send a photo we want to show to someone in front of us just because we want them to have it on their smartphone. In these cases, the ideal option is the new service that Google will launch very soon, Google Copresence.
At least, that's what it could be called, although the truth is that the final name of the service It has not yet been confirmed, and all we know is thanks to an image that has been extracted from the Google Play Services .apk file, which clearly shows what the application would consist of.
Basically, using WiFi or Bluetooth, we could communicate with nearby users and send them files such as photographs, geolocations, maps, audio messages, conventional messages, and possibly any element of the smartphone that we can share the classic Android Share menu, which is why it's not just an app, but rather a Google Play Services service. Best of all, this service will be compatible with both Android and iOS, so even Apple device users will be able to share messages and files with Androids.
Little is known about the exact release date, but we can expect that don't take long. What's more, the motifs they have used in the promotional images seem quite typical of the end of year dates.
Copresence as a multi-device platform
Beyond the occasional exchange, Copresence aims to connect multiple devices to each other regardless of the operating system. References found in Google Play Services and a related patent suggest an open platform between Android, iOS and Chrome, with a API for developers that would allow close communication to be integrated into third-party apps. It is even mentioned that It would not be mandatory to log in with a Google account, which reduces friction and extends range.
Technologies involved and security
For close matching you would use Bluetooth, while the effective transfer of data would be supported by WiFi or WiFi Direct to achieve fast and stable shipping. In some scenarios, elements such as the location or even authentication by ultrasound which would use the microphone and speaker to verify that both devices are very close. The complementary use of NFC on compatible terminals. The activation of these sensors would be temporary and for detection purposes, reinforcing the privacy of sharing local without the need for an Internet connection.
What can be shared and use cases
The leaked interface reveals the sending of photos, maps, locations and audio notes, as well as text messages and links. The possibility of reproducing is mentioned local streaming music between nearby devices and share items that appear in the Android sharing menu. This approach is ideal for share a heavy video without consuming mobile data, pass a folder of photos to several people at once or match nearby players in multiplayer titles, a feature that Google has already tested with Nearby in Play Games.
Background, alternatives and status of the project
Copresence can be understood as an evolution of the service Bump (acquired by Google), and as a response to closed solutions such as AirDrop. In the Android ecosystem, parallel initiatives have emerged: the alliance between Xiaomi, OPPO and Vivo For P2P transfers, it promises average speeds close to 20 MB/s thanks to WiFi Direct and uses Bluetooth for quick pairing. Google, for its part, has explored native features such as Fast Share, integrable via Google Play Services to extend widely, and has boosted local shipping in its app Files, which also takes advantage of WiFi Direct. In addition, there are hints of expanded compatibility with Chromebooks and even wearables, aligning with the idea of ​​a proximity ecosystem.
The Copresence proposal stands out for its real interoperability Cross-platform sharing, leveraging fast local connections, and reducing mobile data usage. Without relying on the cloud or redundant uploads or downloads, sharing with those next to you is fast, secure, and convenient.
