Google has announced many exciting new Android Q features for Google IO 2019, but there's also one you haven't told us about: a replacement for Android Beam. Android Beam, the NFC sharing method that involves transferring photos, videos, and other files to multiple phones, was not found in the current Android beta. At Google IO, we found that it wouldn't be back either, according to reps we spoke to who are working on Android updates. It's on the Android Pie version of our Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL phones, but not on our Google Pixel 3s promoting Android Q Beta 2, and upgrading to Beta 3 won't help. The final version of Android Q (whatever it is called) will not be compatible with Beam. Therefore, consumers waiting for the stabilized version of Q will see the feature removed in early August, according to Google's beta timeline and Android update history.
RIP Android Beam - we need an equivalent AirDrop
It is true that the number of people who actually know and use Android Beam is quite low. Third party sharing apps like Send Anywhere comply with our sharing menu, they are correct but not transparent. Google Photos and Google Drive are also alternatives, but they require additional steps to transfer files to someone close. Apple's AirDrop is an arrangement that allows you to easily send photos and videos between nearby iOS devices and even Macs. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and photo transfer has been nearly seamless for us. Android Beam's successor, if it exists, will probably work like AirDrop. It may kick off when Android Q drops or it will be introduced as a new feature when the rumor that the Google Pixel 4 will be announced in or around October is announced. We reached out to the Google team at Google for insights into the future of Android Beam to make peer-to-peer file transfers easier in the vicinity. We will update this page when they respond.