Google’s Quick Share Expansion to ARM-Based Windows Devices
In March 2023, Google unveiled Quick Share for Windows PCs, enabling Android users to smoothly transfer files to various Windows machines. Despite its advantages, initial limitations affected users with ARM-based PCs, specifically those using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip. This lack of official support meant that certain users found themselves unable to utilize this feature effectively.
Challenges for ARM-Based PC Users
Before recent updates, obtaining Quick Share functionality on ARM-based devices required a workaround. Users had to download the app on a compatible x86 PC and manually transfer its folder to their ARM device. While Windows 11 offered an emulation layer that allowed this workaround to function, it was hardly user-friendly. Manual shortcuts and menu tweaks made the process cumbersome, catering primarily to technical users desperate for Quick Share accessibility.
Official Support Now Available
Recent updates have brought promising news for ARM-based PC users. Google confirmed through a Quick Share FAQ (as reported by 9to5Google) that Windows 11 now officially supports these devices. The FAQ details that:
Compatible Windows Systems for Quick Share
Windows desktop and laptop devices operating with a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or higher (including Windows 11 for ARM-based systems) just need to have Quick Share downloaded while enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
However, there remains an obstacle: the installer has yet to be updated, meaning users still see a warning on the download page indicating “ARM devices not supported.”This indicates a gap between intention and execution, leaving eager users waiting for full functionality.
Potential for Cross-Platform Sharing
Adding to the excitement are rumors that Quick Share may soon extend its capabilities to iOS and macOS. Recent findings within Quick Share’s Nearby Connections API source code on GitHub hint at Google’s ambition to allow seamless sharing between Android and Apple devices. If realized, this development could eliminate reliance on third-party applications like NearDrop, enhancing the user experience across platforms.
The Growing Trend of ARM-Based PCs
With the increasing popularity of ARM-based PCs due to their superior battery life and performance, Google’s efforts to broaden Quick Share’s reach seem both logical and timely. As the tech landscape evolves, users are looking for greater interoperability among their devices, making updates like this crucial for maintaining user satisfaction.
For now, ARM-based users eagerly anticipate the final updates necessary for streamlined cross-platform compatibility, while Google continues its commitment to improving user connectivity.
Image credits via Depositphotos.com
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