In this newsletter:
📝 Post: Are We Finally Done Emailing Files to Someone Standing Next to Us?
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Apple Updates
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Tech Headlines
😎 Pick of the Week: Unique Picks
📦 Featured Product: KardiaMobile 6L EKG
📝 Are We Finally Done Emailing Files to Someone Standing Next to Us?
Have you ever tried to send and/or receive a file from someone else’s phone, only to be met with a device different than yours? Maybe you have an iPhone and AirDrop doesn’t work with their Android. Or your Android can’t use Quick Share with an iPhone. Well, guess what? Now it can! With the recent update, one of the ‘hidden’ features means Android just got AirDrop. I say ‘hidden’ because let’s face it - neither Google or Apple want you to worry if your device works with the other’s. They want you on their device.
However, this update now allows Android and Apple devices to share files seamlessly from phones to tablets to computers. Rather than having to text or email, using Quick Share/AirDrop is immediate. It also has another perk - it will keep full quality of the file. Have you ever shared a picture or video and the recipient received a much poorer quality version of what you see on your phone?
You could upload it to a shared cloud drive - Google, OneDrive, Dropbox - but that defeats the purpose of immediacy. There’s also something ironic about having to upload a photo to a server half way around the world to send to someone sitting 10 feet away.
For years, Apple has been the gold standard for file sharing from one device to another - as long as it’s within their ecosystem. And now thanks to the EU, AirDrop works with Android devices. Essentially, this is creating a direct communication channel via Bluetooth and transferring the files over WiFi. Files could be sent over Bluetooth alone (they have been on older devices for years), but the speed is slow(er) and the strength can be weak(er).
If it sounds like I’m underselling this, I apologize. This is a very big deal not only for mobile users, but for tech industry as a whole in regards to communicating and sharing through open standards.
So, if this is a great step forward for Android/Apple folks, what’s the hold up? It’s a built-in app that just works, right? Well, there are still some issues for mass adoption. First, not all Android phones and tablets support AirDrop via Quick Share. Neither option supports transferring files to a PC, either. It can also be slow at times and only works when someone is within around 25 feet.
Enter the third-party alternatives. The following list includes some of the major players in the peer-to-peer file sharing space. They include:
They provide a mix of features, including: no accounts required, sharing to *essentially any device with internet access, transfers as fast as your internet connection, can share with anyone anywhere in the world, and some even use your local network without using internet bandwidth. Some have even noted sending gigabytes of files, and when the connection is interrupted, resuming the transfer rather than starting over.
An important distinction here, too. These services are not providing file storage to access at a later time. They are essentially instantly sharing the file. These services to not compete with the file storage options mentioned earlier. It is also not a transfer of the file from one user to another. It is sending a copy of the file. meaning, it still lives on your device.
So, the next time someone asks you to send them a file, you may no longer have to ask what their phone number or email is since ‘they have a different phone type’ than you. You could simply just ask them to turn on their sharing.
Are you familiar with any other peer-to-peer file sharing service that isn’t Napster?
🗞️ ICYMI: Apple Updates
As Apple prepares for the changing of the guard, they held a Farewell Party for Tim Cook. As Apple concurrently celebrates their 50th Anniversary, check out this auction of some unique and rare Apple memorabilia.
Their new CEO, John Ternus, comes from the hardware side of Apple, so it will be interesting to see their future movement in a world of AI. For starters though, they announced new Mac Minis. You can preorder on their website, and check out the Apple M5 Ultra Vs M3 Ultra and What’s Changed.
On the software side of things, Apple TV now costs $14.99 a month after its fourth price hike in four years. This has other affects, causing a rise in their Apple One subscription, which includes Apple TV, iCloud Storage, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade.
🗞️ ICYMI: Tech Headlines
Chinese humanoid robots break human records at Beijing’s robot games
Galaxy S26 August patch is here to fix that ‘red stain’ problem
Nvidia in Talks to Buy AI Startup Hugging Face (the company OpenAI recently ‘hacked’)
😎 POTW: Unique Picks
If weird wasn’t enough, how about some unique picks?
📦 Featured Product
In the medical world, consumer devices are tricky. Many times they aren’t approved and may not provide as accurate of information needed. However, sometimes devices are close enough and can show trends that help users know when to see a medical professional for a more detailed analysis. We’ve seen this with many of the smart watchs that provide heart rate and ECG tracking. Now, there’s a new device that allows users to complete an at-home EKG, the KardiaMobile 6L. They note it takes around 30 seconds, and can help detect AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia and Normal Sinus Rhythms. It requires a mobile app but does not require a subscription.
