Google is reportedly working on a new feature that allows users to share messages, files, photos, music, maps and other types of content across devices.
The new feature is named Copresence and works like a cross between Apple's AirDrop, which allows devices to discover other devices via Bluetooth and share all types of files via Wi-Fi, and Android Beam, which uses NFC (near-field communications) to let devices communicate with one another.
The difference, however, is while AirDrop only allows file-sharing for mobile devices running on iOS 7 or OS X 10.7 and up; Copresence is not tied to a single platform. This means AirDrop only lets users share files with other people who have an iPhone or a Mac, but Copresence allows for sharing among all users, whether they use devices running on iOS or Android.
The feature was first reported separately by TechAeris and Android Police, which independently discovered code buried in Google Play Services' latest version that points to its existence. They also found some explanations of how the feature is supposed to work, XMLs defining the layout of the setup process and a number of brightly colored promotional images showing happy smartphones sharing files with one another.
TechAeris says Google will be launching Copresence "in the coming weeks," which makes sense with Android Lollipop expected just around the corner. The new feature is said to allow cross-device communication via location information, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi direct. TechAeris also found that Google already has patents for a service named Copresence, which involves retrieving data from a device through a server and sending back relevant data. The patent also says that users will not need a Google account to be able to use the feature.
"Besides basic information exchanges, it's unclear what other functionality may be coming in the future, but from our previous rumors it seems Google's ambitions are high," says Liam Spradlin of Android Police.
The graphics also show the Hangouts logo in full prominence, which suggests that Google could be integrating Copresence in its native messaging app. However, the newly discovered code also shows support for file sharing for Chrome, so Copresence could also allow users to send files from their phones or tablets to their desktop computers as well.
Earlier this year, Android Police also reported a very similar feature that lets users know when "people, places and things" are nearby. With Nearby turned on, says Android Police, user's devices will be able to register whether another device is in the vicinity.
