Back in August OPPO, Xiaomi and Vivo announced that they were creating a new file sharing system similar to Apple’s AirDrop, something that Android is woefully lacking. Now they have announced that the new feature is live.
Announced in Shenzhen today the new Peer-to-Peer Transmission Alliance formed by the three brands are not only offering the new file transfer system but are “welcoming more Android smartphone brands to join the movement”. The Alliance will allow users of those devices to wireless transmit files, pictures and videos to each other without the need for an internet connection.
The sharing system uses a protocol based on high speed Wi-Fi Direct transfer to accomplish the file transfer. It scans devices using Bluetooth LE and then transfers files using Wi-Fi P2P (Peer to Peer) technology at an average transfer speed of 20MB/s.
This three-brand partnership aims to bring the millions of OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi users across the world effortless and more user-centric file-sharing.
This is a significant first step for OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi to better serve their users collectively, and we also welcome other Android smartphone brands to get involved and provide a more open, effortless, and interactive experience for users. Andy Wu, VP of OPPO
To perform the function from an OPPO smartphone you share a file using the “OPPO Share” function while a the same time the receiver must open their OPPO share function as well — so not just anyone can receive files.
OPPO Share is compatible with devices running ColorOS 7 (Android 10) and onwards. Vivo will roll it out into new products from February 2020. Xiaomi on the other hand have said that the feature is available on all phones running Android Pie or later (not including Redmi devices).
We cannot wait to see the feature roll out to devices, and not just these three manufacturers. Apple users always tell me how good AirDrop is, especially the younger users, it’s about time Android had an equivalent. Google have been negligent not implementing something similar, maybe they will incorporate this into Android in the future.
You do realise in Australia our IT vendors do this also, if your a Australian Hardware vendor the spooks do turn up to make sure your equipment ‘Meets their needs’ i’ve seen it with my own eyes.