Is Google bringing familiar iOS features to Android?

Android experts have discovered that Google is developing a gesture-based contact sharing feature, similar to NameDrop on iOS, promising a more convenient experience.

According to a report from Android Authority, Google has made a new move in the feature battle between Android and iOS, as it prepares to copy a prominent utility feature from Apple. After Apple adopted widgets and flexible icon arrangement capabilities from Android, the competition between the two ecosystems has heated up again.

The feature Google is targeting is called NameDrop, which allows iPhone users to quickly exchange contacts simply by bringing the two devices close together. This is considered one of the convenient and "flashy" features on iOS, and Android seems to want to bring a similar experience to its users.

Code analysis from two new beta versions of Google Play Services (v25.44.32 and v25.46.31) has revealed the first signs of a new feature called “Gesture Exchange” and “Contact Exchange.” This is seen as the first step in Google's effort to create a counterweight to NameDrop on iOS. These findings quickly attracted the attention of the tech community.

NameDrop was originally a standout feature on the iPhone, allowing users to simply bring two devices close together to exchange contact information. Thanks to its convenience and "showcase" effect, the feature became popular upon its release. And now, Google seems to want to bring a similar experience to the Android ecosystem.

Google may be developing the ability to share contacts using gestures – a feature that works very similarly to NameDrop on iOS.

From hidden code snippets, analysts were able to trigger an internal activity called “ContactExchangeActivity.” This is clear evidence that Google is preparing to enter the user interface testing phase. This also proves that the feature is not just a concept.

Leaked images reveal that Google is developing a highly intuitive gesture-based contact exchange mechanism. The icons and layout are designed to be simple and easy for users to access. However, the feature is still incomplete and depends on many other system components.

It's unclear when Google will announce this feature, but the initial level of development suggests a launch date may not be too far off. If Gesture Exchange officially launches, it will be a step forward in helping Android compete more strongly in terms of seamless experience across devices. Android users will certainly be looking forward to a convenient feature similar to NameDrop but with Google's own style.

Leaked interface code reveals that Google is testing a two-step sharing process quite similar to Apple's. On the first screen, users can select exactly what data they want to send, such as profile pictures, phone numbers, or email addresses, or enable "Receive Only" mode. The presentation is optimized to give users active control over their privacy.

In the second step, the interface will display all the contact information that the other device just sent. A prominent "Save" button is included, allowing you to add the information to your contacts with just one touch. Even more interestingly, Google has added " Video Call" and "Text" options for immediate interaction.

Leaked interface images reveal that Google is building a highly intuitive gesture-based contact exchange mechanism.

Based on the discovered code sequences, the term “ndef” (NFC Data Exchange Format) appears multiple times, suggesting that NFC is almost certainly the primary platform. This implies that the initial connection process will rely on touching or bringing devices close together. However, it remains to be seen whether NFC will handle all data transfer or merely serve to establish the initial connection.

It's possible Google will combine NFC with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to provide faster and more stable data transfer speeds, especially when including thumbnails. This approach would create a more seamless experience, similar to other modern sharing features. This is also the direction many large ecosystems are taking.

The codename "Contact Exchange" is certainly not the final name when it officially launches. Google often chooses more appealing commercial names for features to increase brand recognition. Nevertheless, the mere appearance of this technology shows that the company is heavily investing in bridging the utility gap with iOS.

The leak also clearly reflects Google's efforts to build a unified experience across Android devices. Introducing a modern, quick-sharing feature not only improves usability but also makes Android more competitive in the eyes of global users. This could be part of a strategy to elevate the ecosystem.

However, all current information is gathered only through community-generated APK analysis. This means the feature may be changed, adjusted, or even removed entirely before appearing in the official version. Users will have to wait to see which direction Google will choose.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/google-mang-tinh-nang-quen-thuoc-cua-ios-len-android-334526.html