Google is preparing a new short-range file transfer and sharing service, unhappy with how Android Beam turned out. The project is internally named Google Copresence.

The new service will allow users to share all types of files, including photos, videos, music and files with those nearby. Google is looking to make the speeds of sending data from one phone to another much faster, allowing for quicker transfer.

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Google Copresence's biggest difference from Android Beam is the way files are sent. The new service is cross-platform, meaning an iOS version, alongside the Android app. To send files, users connect through Bluetooth and send over WiFi.

The WiFi speed, paired with new low-energy Bluetooth 4.0, should make data transfer quicker than Android Beam. It is reminiscent of Airdrop for iOS, and might be a better version if users are able to send to Android and iOS devices.

Google recently patented the Copresence service and has recently been spotted on Google Play Services APK. There is still no date for launch, but considering it is on the APK, it should be coming in the next few months.

Transferring files over Bluetooth feels like ancient technology, with cloud-based solutions available and messaging platforms capable of sending files, but Google still sees it as a useful technology to have available on Android.

What does this mean for Android Beam? Considering only a few smartphones natively support the NFC solution, it might be removed in favor of Copresence, a smarter way to send files over WiFi.

TagsGoogle Copresence, Android Lollipop, short-range file transfer