NearDrop utility for Android file sharing released on macOS

Enthusiast from Reddit under the nickname grishkaa smog analyze the open source code of the utility Nearby Share (similar to AirDrop on Android) and make the NearDrop utility based on the same protocol for exchanging files between Android and Mac.

This program has limitations: it works only for receiving (that is, sending files from Mac to Android will not work) and only via Wi-Fi LAN. Simply put, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi in order to transfer data.

Pros: NearDrop is completely free and sets up in a couple of minutes.

You can download the application from the project page on Github. IN section with the latest version (1.1 at the time of publication) click on the .ZIP file to download.

Next, unpack the downloaded archive. Open the application through the right mouse click → "Open" and click "Open" again. Simply double-clicking to open doesn't work because the author is an Android app developer and didn't pay Apple a developer account fee that limits his options.

After that, you need to enable NearDrop notifications - otherwise you will not be able to allow receiving incoming files. To do this, open "System Preferences", in the "Notifications" section, select NearDrop and switch the slider next to "Notification Allowance" to the active position.

After that, the Near Drop icon should appear in the Mac menu bar. By clicking on it, you can view the discovery settings and the display name of the computer, as well as quickly close the program.

To send a file from Android to Mac, you need to turn on Nearby Share and start searching for nearby devices. Select the desired Mac from the list.

Screenshots of Android Police

On a Mac, you will need to confirm receipt of the file - just for this, the application needed notification permission. Select Accept from the dropdown list.

After a minute or two (or more, depending on the size), the file should appear in Downloads on your Mac.

This is not the most polished and convenient solution, but the fact remains: a simple developer managed to do what Apple and Google themselves have not yet managed to do.