The Android feature, called “Tap to Share”, is built into Quick Share and uses near-field communication (NFC) to start the transfer. Once the devices connect, Quick Share handles the file exchange in the background.

Reports revealed that this is not based on a single test. The feature has appeared across Samsung’s One UI 9, Google Play Services, and early versions of Android 17. 

That spread shows it is being built as a core Android function, not a limited add-on.

Samsung first tested the idea in 2025 through an experimental setting in One UI 8.5. At the time, it looked like a closed test, but now, in newer builds, the feature appears more complete. 

It carries an instruction: “Just hold the top of your phone close to the device, and the files will be sent.”

That change shows the feature has moved beyond testing and into active development.

At the same time, Google has been working on a related system inside Google Play Services. Earlier versions focused on sharing contact details by bringing two devices together. Internally, that system was called “Gesture Exchange”.

Now, both systems appear linked. References inside Quick Share imply the same trigger can start file transfers, not just contact sharing. In essence, NFC acts as the signal, while Quick Share moves the files.

Google has also confirmed that Quick Share will expand across the full Android ecosystem in 2026. That means the feature will not be limited to Pixel or Samsung devices. It is expected to work across different brands.

This global rollout could remove the gap between Android and Apple. Apple introduced AirDrop in 2011, making it easy to share files between iPhones and Macs. In 2024, it added NameDrop, which allows users to share contacts by tapping devices together.

Android has offered file sharing for years, but the experience has usually depended on device brands. Samsung, for instance, pushed its own version through Quick Share before working more closely with Google.

Now, both companies are aligned with a goal for a single system that works across Android devices, regardless of manufacturer.

Instead of opening apps or scanning for devices, users can just bring two phones together to start sharing. The Android Tap to Share feature is expected to support contacts, photos, videos, and other files.

It may take time before the rollout reaches all devices. However, the presence of the feature in Android 17 builds means it could launch alongside the next major Android release.

If that happens, Android users will finally get a built-in sharing tool that works the same way across devices. 

The Lagos-based Web3 startup specializes in next-level smart security infrastructure and key management systems.

Developed within the Hyperspace Technologies Limited’ research and development (R&D) division, “cipherCHIP tap2verify” system presents a novel approach to product authentication by integrating Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and blockchain technology.

Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, the lead inventor of the MFA that is poised to enhance a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user’s identity.

Hyperspace Technologies Limited had in August this year secured patent for cipherKEY tap2sign MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), a next-generation security system designed to leverage the decentralized nature of blockchain, the robustness of public/ private key cryptography, and the convenience of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to provide an unprecedented level of security against identity theft, phishing, and social engineering attacks.

Meanwhile, the cipherCHIP tap2verify’s patent certificate from the Industrial Property Office Registry, Commercial Law Department, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, was granted on December 14, 2023 and signed by Stella Ozo Ezenduka, the Chief Registrar on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

On the other hand, the Trademark for cipherCHIP tap2verify was granted on October 20, 2023 under the Class of Scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (Supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for recording transmission in reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers recording disc; automatic vending machines and mechanism for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; free-extinguishing apparatus.

It will be published in the trademark journal.

Commenting on the journey to securing the patent and trademark, the intricate workings of cipherCHIP tap2verify, Dr. Akindeinde highlighted its potential to revolutionize product provenance and authentication.

“In an era where counterfeiting has become increasingly sophisticated, ensuring product authenticity is paramount. cipherCHIP tap2verify addresses this challenge by combining the unique identification capabilities of NFC tags with the immutable nature of blockchain technology, further enhanced by the uniqueness of NFTs”.

He added that cipherCHIP tap2verify offers a groundbreaking solution to product authentication challenges.

By seamlessly integrating NFC tags, NFTs, and blockchain, it provides an unbreakable chain of trust from manufacturers to consumers.

The NetPOS Mini launched into the Nigerian market earlier this year, is a device that doubles as both a SmartPhone and a POS terminal, and offers multiple payment channels for merchants, including Cards, Account Transfers, QR codes and USSD payments.

Asides having NFC built in, pre-installed business apps and a merchant dashboard, the device can also be used by the merchants to take orders by call, text or iMessages.

It comes pre-installed with STORM, the Super Merchant app, which provides inventory management, payment integration with social media, and sales tracker all in one.

Speaking on the new banking product, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the group managing director/chief executive of Zenith Bank Plc, said that: “SMEs remain the growth engine of any economy and Nigeria is no exception, with 96% of local businesses classified as SMEs according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This provides a huge space to deliver value and offer compelling propositions and engagement for business growth and contribute to national development”.

According to him, “the launch of the ‘SME Grow My Business’ product by the bank, therefore, stems from the desire to provide a unique platform for catering for the unique needs of SMEs who represent a major segment of the Nigerian economy”.

Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offerings, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.

The Bank remains a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.