Apple’s AirDrop has always been a seamless and convenient feature that has allowed Apple users to share files across devices at lightning-fast speeds. Yes, Android has QuickShare, though additional functionality powered by the same underlying proximity-based protocol, including NameDrop, proximity SharePlay, Share Passwords, and more, is what truly sets AirDrop apart.
Apple introduced AirDrop all the way back in 2011, and it was enriched with NameDrop functionality with iOS 17 in 2023. NameDrop, for those unaware, allows users to tap their iPhones or Apple Watches together to share contact information. This is an ideal workaround in professional settings like networking events, where reading out your number might not be the most convenient approach.
Google’s Android doesn’t offer a similar feature just yet, though that could change very soon. As pointed out by the folks over at Android Authority after digging into a recent Google Play Services build (v25.44.32 beta), the Mountain View, California-based tech giant might actually be working on a new ‘Gesture Exchange functionality.’
<string name="gestureexchange_ndef_aid_description">Gesture Exchange</string>
<string name=”gestureexchange_ndef_service_description”>Gesture Exchange</string>
‘NDEF’ in the strings above likely refers to ‘NFC Data Exchange Format,’ which does suggest that this ‘Gesture Exchange’ feature could essentially be a proximity-based contact-exchanging feature.
Similarly, the presence of a new ‘ContactExchangeActivity’ with code for Gesture Exchange reinforced the idea that Google has indeed been working on a NameDrop equivalent.
Subsequently, with the latest Google Play Services build (v25.46.31), the ‘Contact Exchange Activity’ could be enabled, offering a peek at what the functionality might look like.
Narrow down what you want to share
Credit:Â Android Authority
In addition to confirming the existence of a NameDrop equivalent, the screenshots above highlight what the feature’s UI might look like on both the sender and receiver’s end.
The sender will have the option to select the contact details they’d like to share, including their photo/Calling Card, their phone number, and their email address, as seen in the first screenshot. The receiver, on the other hand, will see the shared information alongside the option to save it.
If the functionality does land on Android, it will be the second major feature borrowed from Apple in recent memory, following the introduction of Calling Cards. If and when the NameDrop equivalent arrives remains to be seen.
