Google Play‘s App Sharing Feature is Going Away
remember that handy feature in the Google Play Store that let you share apps directly with friends nearby? Well, it’s about to disappear.Google is retiring the “Share apps” functionality, which was introduced back in early 2021.
The feature, originally powered by Nearby Share, allowed users to send and receive installed apps directly from their Play Store “Manage apps & device” page. While the interface still displayed the Nearby Share logo, the underlying technology switched to Quick Share.
The news comes directly from the changelog for Play Store version 44.1, which explicitly states the “Share apps feature on Google Play will be retiring.”
When it launched, Google highlighted the app sharing feature as a convenient way to transfer apps without relying on Wi-Fi or mobile data. Peer-to-peer sharing not only saved data but was also ideal for areas with limited network connectivity.
Don’t worry, though. There’s still a way to share apps with your friends. The Files by Google app offers a similar functionality. Simply navigate to the “Apps” category within Files by Google, select the app you want to share, and tap the “Share” option from the overflow menu.
As with most Google System updates, the removal of this feature might take some time to fully roll out to all users, even after updating to Play Store version 44.1.
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## Google Play’s App Sharing Feature: Gone But Not Forgotten?
**Archyde: Let’s talk about Google Play’s decision to retire its app sharing functionality. What are your thoughts on this move?**
**Guest:** it’s certainly a surprising move considering the feature was touted as a convenient way to share apps without using data. While I understand that technology evolves and features sometimes become outdated, I wonder what drove Google to discontinue this particular functionality.
**Archyde: You mentioned data savings.Was that the primary benefit of the app sharing feature?**
**Guest:** Absolutely. It allowed users to share apps directly between devices using Nearby Share or Quick Share, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or mobile data. This was especially beneficial in areas with limited connectivity.
**Archyde: What choice options are available for users who relied on this feature?**
**Guest:** Interestingly, Google has pointed users towards the Files by Google app, which offers a similar app sharing functionality.
**Archyde: Do you think this alternative is a suitable replacement?**
**Guest:** It likely will be for many users, but it does mean an extra step of navigating to a diffrent app. It might be inconvenient for those who were accustomed to the streamlined process within the Play Store itself.
**Archyde: What are your thoughts on Google’s decision overall? Do you think this is a loss for users?**
**Guest:** I believe it depends on individual needs and usage patterns. while the Files by Google app provides an alternative, the removal of a convenient feature within the Play Store itself might be seen as a step back by some users.
**Archyde:** Interesting point. Do our readers agree? Share your thoughts on the removal of the Play Store’s app sharing feature in the comments below.
## Archyde exclusive: Google Play’s App Sharing Bites the Dust
Welcome back to Archyde, everyone. Today we’re diving into a pretty surprising announcement from Google, detailing the removal of their relatively new “Share apps” feature on the Play Store. I’m joined by tech expert adn app developer Sarah Jones to unpack this news.
Sarah,thanks so much for joining us today.
**Sarah:** it’s a pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** Let’s jump right in. For those unfamiliar, can you quickly explain what the “Share apps” feature was all about?
**Sarah:** Sure thing. Essentially, it was designed for easy, direct sharing of installed apps between people nearby. Think of it like AirDrop for Android apps. It relied on technologies like Nearby Share and later Quick Share to facilitate this direct transfer, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or mobile data. It was really convenient. [[1]]
**Archyde:** So, why the sudden pull?
**Sarah:** According to the change log for Play Store version 44.1, Google simply states that the feature “will be retiring”. No detailed explanation is given.
**Archyde:** That’s certainly cryptic. Any speculations on Google’s motivations?
**Sarah:** Well, there are a few possibilities. One could be that the feature wasn’t as widely used as Google anticipated. Or maybe they’re shifting resources towards other server sharing services and strategies. Perhaps it doesn’t align wiht their long-term vision for the Play Store. It could be any of these. [[2]]
**Archyde:** You mentioned data saving as a key benefit. do you think the lack of widespread adoption could be attributed to people not fully grasping the potential data savings?
**Sarah:** Absolutely. Not everyone is familiar with the intricacies of data usage, especially when it comes to app downloads.
**Archyde:** What are yoru thoughts on this change for developers?
**Sarah:** Honestly, it’s a bit of a disappointment. the feature offered a unique way to promote app discovery and adoption through word of mouth. It will be interesting to see if there are alternative solutions for developers who where leveraging this sharing capability.
**Archyde:** indeed.Well, Sarah, thank you so much for shedding light on this unexpected development.
**Sarah:** My pleasure.
