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Google has quitely removed this Android app sharing feature

Google has quitely removed this Android app sharing feature

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Dec 18, 2024, 11:14 IST

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Google quietly removed the "Share apps" feature from the Play Store's latest update. This feature, introduced in 2021, allowed offline app sharing via Nearby Share. While Google hasn't provided a reason, some suspect security concerns related to P2P sharing. Users can still share apps using "Files by Google" or third-party apps, but the convenient, data-saving integrated option is now gone.

Google has quitely removed this Android app sharing feature

In a recent update to the Google Play Store (version 44.1), a feature known as "Share apps" has been quietly removed. This functionality, introduced in early 2021, allowed users to seamlessly share installed apps with friends and family via Nearby Share, a feature powered by Google's Fast Share technology.
The change was first reported by 9to5Google, citing the official changelog for the update. Previously, users could access "Share apps" through the "Manage apps & device" page. This section allowed sending and receiving apps without requiring an internet connection or consuming mobile data – a valuable feature for those in areas with limited connectivity.
While Google hasn't officially commented on the reason behind the removal, some speculate it could be related to security concerns. P2P (peer-to-peer) sharing can potentially be exploited to distribute malware or pirated apps.
Sharing apps via Nearby Share offered a convenient and data-saving alternative to traditional methods like app links or email attachments.

Alternative solutions available:

Though the "Share apps" function is gone, users still have a few options for sharing apps on their Android devices:

Files by Google: This pre-installed app allows users to share apps by locating them in the "Apps" category and using the share menu.
Third-party file sharing apps: Several third-party apps offer P2P file sharing functionalities, though security remains a concern with these options.

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TOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

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