Apple debuted iOS 17 in 2023 with a feature for sharing contact details called NameDrop. Essentially, it is an extension of AirDrop that lets users send and receive the information by simply bringing their iPhones close together. Now, it seems Google is working on its own take on the feature for Android, which may be called Gesture Exchange.
According to a report by Android Authority, the v25.44.32 beta version of Google Play Services contained strings relating to this NFC-based Gesture Exchange functionality. The publication also found code for the feature, which mentioned a “Contact Exchange Activity”. Later, the v25.46.31 build of Google Play Services allowed the activity to be enabled, offering an early glimpse of the feature.
In one of the screenshots, the outlet revealed the first screen the user will see when initiating the Contact Exchange feature. It includes a list of the user’s personal information, such as their phone number, email, and photo. The user can select which details they wish to share. Additionally, there is a “Receive only” option.
Meanwhile, the second image shows the received information. A button in the bottom right corner allows the user to save the contact details. Apparently, the user will also be able to directly start a video or voice call from this screen.
For now, it is unclear whether Google is using NFC for just the initial handshake to establish connection between the two phones, or if information will be shared over NFC. Beyond that, it is also unclear whether the company will keep the Gesture Exchange and Contact Exchange names for the feature. At the moment, it seems that it will be a while before the feature becomes available for users.
(Source: Android Authority)
