Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo are teaming up to take on Apple’s AirDrop — and it’s coming by the end of the month

• Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo are coming together to launch a peer-to-peer file transfer service for Android.
  
• The beta version of the new feature will go live by the end of the month.
  
• Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have also invited other Android brands in this endeavour.
  

Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo — otherwise competitors — are teaming up to build a new file sharing system for Android.

And, it looks similar to Apple’s AirDrop.

In a post shared on WeChat, the three Chinese tech giants said that they’re developing a peer-to-peer network that will allow users to transfer files between Xiaomi’s MIUI, Oppo’s Color OS and Vivo’s Funtouch OS.

And, they have invited more brands to hop on the bandwagon.

Coming at the end of the month

The beta version of the cross branded service is expected to hit the market by the end of the month.

It doesn’t require users to download additional software and it doesn’t use up cellular data either.

As of now, plans indicate that the file transfer will use Bluetooth to pair devices and will be capable of reaching speeds of 20 mbps, indicating the use of Wi-Fi-like Apple’s AirDrop.

Unlike the AirDrop — users on this service will be able to transfer files to at least two brands other than the one they own.

They’re not alone

Google tried to popularise its own version of AirDrop style file transfers in 2011 with Android Beam. But that particular feature is being pulled from the catalogue once Android Q makes its way into the market.

Instead, Android Q will have a ‘Fast Share’ functionality — similar to the Files by Google service that facilitates file transfers over bluetooth.