Android Beam - how it works
Android Beam is a handy feature for sharing data between devices. The prerequisite for this is that Android 4.0 or higher is installed on both devices and both have an NFC chip.
Activate Android Beam and share data
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Activate Android Beam and NFC
Transfer pictures via Android Beam
To activate Android Beam, go to "Settings" and select the item "Wireless & networks".
- There is the entry "Android Beam". Select this and activate the corresponding switch. You should also check the box at NFC.
- Now your device is ready to send and receive files via NFC.
- For example, to share, open a photo on a device.
- Hold the back of both Android Beam-enabled devices together.
- "Touch to beam" appears on the device with the photo. If you now touch the screen, the other device receives the photo.
- Of course, you can not only share photos, but also videos, websites, contacts and much more.
No future for the service
Google introduced the Android Beam function in 2011.
- Eight years later, Google seems to have rethought the issue, because Beam is no longer to be found in the new Android Q.
- Instead, an alternative called Fast Share is being worked on. This should make the whole process much easier, similar to Apple's AirDrop.
- Instead of NFC and Bluetooth, Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS will be used in the future. This means that the two cell phones no longer have to be placed directly on top of each other. WiFi transmission is also significantly faster.