Quick Share gets QR codes for quicker sharing, Drive improves document scans

Ben Schoon | Dec 5 2024 - 9:10 am PT

Google is rolling out an update to Quick Share which aims to streamline the sharing experience by adding QR codes, while Google Drive is improving document scans.

Quick Share, formerly known as Nearby Share, has been getting updates since its initial launch. One recent tweak was a visible percentage for longer transfers. Now, Google is adding a functional change to improve the sharing process with other users.

A new button in Quick Share will allow users sending a file to generate a QR code instead of picking a nearby device. This allows a quick and easy way to bypass privacy settings, meaning you don’t have to expand Quick Setting to find “everyone” nearby. Rather, you just scan the QR code on the device you want to send to and the two are automatically linked.

Google explains:

Your best photos are meant to be shared. QR codes in Quick Share make it easier to transfer pictures, videos and documents. Simply select the media file you want to share, tap the QR code and have others scan it for a secure transfer — no need to add them as a contact, verify devices or change your sharing settings.

It’s not clear just yet if the Quick Share app on Windows will support QR codes.

Beyond that, also as a part of Android’s latest feature update, Google Drive is picking up improvements to document scanning.

Google says that the app is improving contrast, white balance, shadows, and blurring in scans of physical documents, making it easier to get a clear digital copy of the document with less editing needed.

Your scans are now crisper and clearer with auto-enhancements in Google Drive. From receipts to documents to ID cards, your scans are optimized to improve contrast and white balance, and remove shadows and blurring — with no manual editing needed. Simply snap an image of physical documents and receipts and save the clear digital version in the format you want.