Google is preparing to introduce a new feature for Android that closely mirrors Apple’s NameDrop, offering users a quick and seamless way to exchange contact information by simply bringing their devices close together. Apple launched NameDrop with iOS 17 in 2023, and more than two years later, Android users may soon receive their own version of the widely appreciated tool.
The feature, discovered by Android Authority, was spotted inside the latest version of Google Play Services under a system component called “Gesture Exchange.” Within the same bundle is an activity titled “Contact Exchange,” signalling that the primary function of this new tool will be to share contact details between nearby Android devices.
According to early findings, Google’s system currently relies on NFC to initiate the interaction. This makes the process similar to traditional Android file-sharing gestures but tailored specifically for exchanging contacts quickly and securely. NFC-based contact sharing also ensures minimal battery usage and stable device-to-device communication.
While Google has not announced the feature publicly, its presence inside Google Play Services suggests that development is well underway. Play Services updates occur independently of full Android OS rollouts, meaning Google can release Gesture Exchange to millions of devices without waiting for a platform-wide update.
This approach aligns with Google’s broader strategy of enhancing Android’s ecosystem through features that are accessible, cross-device, and easy to adopt. With tools like Nearby Share, Quick Share, and Fast Pair already established, the addition of Gesture Exchange would strengthen Google’s lineup of instant connectivity options.
The timing also signals a competitive response to Apple’s increasingly popular contact-sharing tools. NameDrop has become a widely used feature within the iPhone community, especially among younger users who prefer fast digital interaction with minimal setup.
If Gesture Exchange expands beyond contact sharing, it could evolve into a multipurpose exchange system for files, digital keys, or even identity credentials. For now, the internal testing confirms that Google is actively working to replicate and potentially enhance the NameDrop experience for Android users.
As further updates surface, Android users may soon gain a more intuitive and fluid way to share information simply by bringing two devices together.
