Google formally unveils Nearby Share's 'self share' feature and more

What you need to know

• Google has announced a bunch of new Android features for productivity, communication, and accessibility.
• Nearby Share's "self share" feature is now official, along with new Google Drive and Keep widgets on Android tablet.
• Gboard's "Emojify" button is now widely available in its beta version.

Android fans were delighted when Google finally introduced its AirDrop rival two years ago, providing an easy way to move files between devices without having to use cloud-based apps, and Nearby Share now gets a major upgrade.

Google announced (opens in new tab) today a new feature for Nearby Share called "self share," which, as you might expect, makes sending files to your computer and other personal devices a lot less of a hassle. This capability first emerged in Google Play Services last April.

The new feature is intended to make it easier to transfer files between personal devices, such as Android phones and laptops, with a single tap. Once enabled, file transfers from personal devices will be accepted even when the screen is turned off. The feature will be available to all Nearby Share users in the coming weeks, though it only supports transfers between devices you own.

Previously, Nearby Share required recipients of a transfer to manually accept it. While this was an important security measure, users who simply wanted to send a photo from their phone to a laptop may have found it inconvenient. The new feature eliminates that hassle, but it is limited to devices that have Nearby Share enabled and are physically close to you.

(Image credit: Google)

Google has also expanded the availability of its "Emojify" button on Gboard's beta version. It first surfaced earlier this year, with some users noticing a wand icon that occasionally appeared in place of the mic icon on Gboard. To spice up your message, you'll now see emoji suggestions as you type. Google will also release new seasonal emoji mashups for Emoji Kitchen as stickers.

(Image credit: Google)

In addition, Google has redesigned the Google Drive and Keep widgets for Android tablets. The updated Drive widget includes three home screen buttons that let you open your Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets files with one tap. Google Keep's widget and font size have also been increased.

And on top of the new Keep tile for Wear OS launched a few days ago, Google has introduced a new option to add a Bitmoji to your Wear OS watch face.

There are new accessibility tools for sound alerts and audio descriptions, too. Designed in collaboration with the deaf and hard of hearing community, custom sounds on Sound Notifications allow users with hearing difficulty to train and record specific household sounds like beeping appliances or door knocks so they'll receive alerts on their phone and take appropriate actions.

Google has also added a dedicated section for content with audio descriptions on Google TV. It describes live visual information in real time, making content more accessible to people who are blind or low-vision.

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