Apple
TL;DR Google is developing an iOS’ NameDrop-like feature for Android, internally referred to as “Gesture Exchange” and “Contact Exchange.”
The functionality uses a gesture and is likely driven by NFC to share contact information.
Much like they can on iOS, users can choose to share their photo, phone number, and email, or opt only to receive the other person’s details in the Android version of the feature.
Android and iOS have long reached points of maturity, and it’s no secret that both Google and Apple look at each other’s operating systems for “inspiration” on what to add to their own. We’ve seen iOS copy features like widgets, free app icon placement on the home screen, and more from Android. On the other hand, we spotted Google working on a Contact Posters-like feature for Android, which the company eventually rolled out as Calling Cards. We’ve now spotted Google working on bringing iOS’ NameDrop-like functionality to Android, and here’s what the experience could look like.
What is NameDrop? On iOS, users can bring the top of their iPhone close to another person’s iPhone or Apple Watch. This will initiate the rather famous animation for the NameDrop feature.
Apple
Users can then choose whether they want to only receive the other person’s contact card or also share their own information. If they decide to share their contact card, they can select the info they want to share. Once selected, the contact cards are shared, making the process very simple, seamless, and convenient once you get the hang of it.
For reference, here’s what the NameDrop process looks like on iOS:
Gesture Exchange/Contact Exchange could be Google’s answer to NameDrop Coming back to Google’s Android, a previous version of Google Play Services, namely v25.44.32 beta, includes strings related to a new “Gesture Exchange” functionality:
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