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Google Tests NameDrop-Style Contact Sharing for Android in Play Services Beta

A rudimentary UI in Play Services hints Google can ship the feature without a full Android update.

Overview

  • An APK teardown reveals a new Contact Exchange Activity in Google Play Services, previously labeled Gesture Exchange.
  • Android Authority manually surfaced an early pop-up that lets users share a photo, phone number, and email or choose a receive-only mode.
  • Code strings referencing “ndef” suggest NFC involvement, but whether transfers rely solely on NFC or hand off to Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi is unclear.
  • No rollout window is confirmed, and reporting points to delivery via a Play Services update or an Android Feature Drop rather than an OS release.
  • Coverage notes questions about usefulness and privacy, drawing comparisons to the mixed public response to Apple’s NameDrop.