Android and iPhone users can now share files, starting with the Pixel 10 (blog.google)

Article summary

Google has introduced a feature that allows Android and iPhone users to share files using Quick Share and AirDrop. This feature is initially available on the Pixel 10 family and is designed with security in mind, using strong safeguards to protect user data. The connection is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning data is never routed through a server. The feature is expected to improve compatibility between Android and iOS devices.

Main themes

• File sharing between Android and iOS
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Security and data protection
• Vendor lock-in and openness
• Mobile operating system comparison

What commenters say

• The ability to share files between Android and iPhone is a long-overdue feature that highlights the existing vendor lock-in and lack of standards in the industry.
• Apple's closed ecosystem and restrictions on third-party apps and devices are seen as a major limitation by some users, who prefer the openness of Android.
• The importance of file systems and file sharing is debated, with some arguing that it is a fundamental aspect of computer use and others seeing it as a UX problem that can be solved through alternative interfaces.
• Some commenters believe that Apple's decision to split iOS into separate brands, such as iPadOS, is a response to regulatory pressures and an attempt to avoid scrutiny.
• The lack of innovation in mobile operating systems is criticized, with some arguing that large companies are not investing enough in new features and technologies.
• The trade-off between security and openness is discussed, with some arguing that Google's approach to security is more balanced than Apple's, while others see Apple's restrictions as necessary for protecting user data.