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Google Nearby Lets Android Users Connect to People, Places in Proximity: Report

Google Nearby Lets Android Users Connect to People, Places in Proximity: Report

By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 10 June 2014 14:52 IST

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Google is famous for rolling out new updates for its Google services and it is being reported another update will soon be rolling out, called 'Nearby', which is a contextual awareness feature.

Android Police claims that it has obtained details tipping that the rumoured 'Nearby' will be arriving with the next Google Play Services update for Android users. However, it does not reveal an exact time frame for the release of the update.

The yet-to-be-announced 'Nearby' feature is said to allow enabled devices to connect and share with people, places and things in close proximity.

The report also includes the text of the 'Nearby' onscreen message that gives an overview of the feature and said, "Nearby lets you connect, share, and do more with people, places, and things near you. When Nearby is turned on for your account, Google can periodically turn on the mic, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and similar features on all your current and future devices. Google+ and other Google services need this access to help you connect, share, and more. When you turn on Nearby, you're also turning on Location History for your account and Location Reporting for this device. Google needs these services to periodically store your location data for use by Nearby, other Google services, and more."

Also claimed by the report is that the alleged Nearby feature uses two technologies from firms - Bump and SlickLogin - which were acquired by the Mountain View giant in recent times.

Notably, Bump was acquired by Google in September, the maker of smartphone apps that allowed users to share file by bumping devices together. SlickLogin was acquired in February, and allowed end users to log-in easily into password-protected websites by using a uniquely generated sound.

The report also suggests that the 'Nearby' feature will allow users to choose who they are visible to. As of now, there is no word from Google on the 'Nearby' feature rollout, but we can expect a release soon.

On Monday, Google added a new feature to its Google Now app for Android that alerts user when to get off public transport at the stop nearest to their saved destination. Last week Google had rolled out its Public Alerts service incorporating tweets from disaster-struck locations.

Earlier the company had updated its Search bringing the 'Parking location' card to Google Now.

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Further reading: Android, Apps, Google, Google Now, Google Search, Nearby

Ketan Pratap

Email Ketan

Ketan Pratap is the Editor at Gadgets 360. His primary role - debugging the tech hype, benchmarking the future, and compiling it all into precise news, features or reviews. He has spent over 14 years calling out vaporware and identifying the best tech. He’s your guide for everything from chipsets to smart-home meltdowns. When his own batteries are low, he heads for the hills—literally. He’s someone who prefers a remote mountain pass, appreciating a 12,000-foot view that no VR ...More