When you need to transfer a file from your mobile device, there are a couple of go-tos. If you’re on an Apple device, you can use the popular AirDrop feature between other Apple devices. Meanwhile, Android 11 also comes with Nearby Sharing, which works in a similar way (but between mobile phones). Or, of course, you can use services like Google Drive, or even email attachments.
Now, Samsung is set to add a new option into the mix for users on its Galaxy smartphones. According to Sammobile, Samsung is working on a new app called Private Share—a blockchain-based app that will offer secure file transfers between users.
Files automatically disappear after expiry
So, how exactly will this work? Blockchain is the same technology that enables cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and it offers security in the way that it stores information. Data is stored in “blocks”, which are then “chained” in order. Essentially, data stored on a Blockchain database is decentralised, so no single person or entity has control.
According to Sammobile, Private Share will allow users to securely share their files—in a similar way to Snapchat messages. This means that when sharing files, a sender will be able to set an expiration date for the transfer. Once that date has passed, the files are deleted from the server.
Additionally, recipients of these files won’t be able to reshare the files, while screenshots won’t be allowed either.
Of course, Private Share will only work if both the sender and recipient have the app installed on their devices. Once a file transfer is initiated by one user, the recipient will get a prompt to open a channel—where the disappearing files will be available for a limited period of time.
Overall, Nearby Share could be a really interesting feature on Galaxy smartphones. Samsung has always offered a range of nifty features on their Galaxy smartphones (that build on pre-existing Android features), with Samsung Pay being a particular favourite for many users. On the security front, Knox is also a feather in Samsung’s hat, and Nearby Share adds on that value proposition for security/privacy.
At the moment, we don’t have anything official to go on—but Private Share will probably be exclusive to Galaxy devices. We don’t know when the feature will be announced, but it seems likely that Private Share will be introduced along with the upcoming Galaxy S21 (possibly in January 2021).
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