The discovery made its appearance in the tech world as 9to5Google’s apk Insight team confirmed it a few hours ago, marking a shift as users will now be able to use Google Play Store instead of third-party apps for the said purpose. Their earlier dependence on third-party apps to pair their device with devices in close proximity was deemed risky to their data and privacy. The feature was also first spotted by 9to5Google’s APK Insight team in September last year where it stated that the update in the process will enable users to select and share their apps. Later in December, it was officially confirmed by Google itself.
How to get rolling?
Here are the steps to access this option: Open the Google Play Store. Tap the three-line menu button on the top corner of your device. Here tap “My apps and games”. Now you must be able to find a number of tabs—one of them saying “Share”. If you are unable to find it, wait for a few minutes as it might take some time for this newly launched feature to appear after the update. You will have the option of either sending or receiving a particular or several apps (at the same time) on the Play Store’s New Share tab. Once you have selected the needed apps to share, you will have to look for the recipient device that will have to press the receive button on its Play Store after which he/she will receive a pairing request. After the devices are paired, you both will be shown a mutual code for the session to remain transparent. You can begin the sharing once the devices are paired. The owner of the recipient device will have to press “Install” each app or “Install all” apps as the installation does not begin itself automatically.
You must make sure before using Nearby Sharing that the access to the location of your device is turned on for Google Play Store to work out and identify devices nearby. Take note of this fact as well that not all the apps will be sharable through Nearby Sharing apart from those you have purchased, or those sideloaded (which are not publically available on the Google Play Store). Both the sending and receiving devices will remain connected until either presses the disconnect button.
