What technology does airdrop use
AirDrop has been around since iOS 7, which was released in 2013. This feature allows you to share files from your Mac or iPhone with other nearby Macs and iPhones without having to worry about pairing or switching to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks. This technology works similarly to Wi-Fi Direct and has mostly been used for photos and videos, but it can also be used to share files up to 5GB in size between Apple devices.
What is Airdrop & what technology does airdrop use
Many people think that Airdrop is simply a way to share data between two iPhones or iPads. In fact, it can also be used to share files between Macs and iOS devices. Using Airdrop you can get the photos off your phone onto your computer or send them on a message without having to open up email or photo messaging apps.
The airdrop was released with iOS 7 in 2013. Apple removed it from newer versions of the iPhone but luckily it still comes pre-installed on every new Mac.
Why do you need to know about it?
Since AirDrop works exclusively on Apple devices, it is only able to work in a limited capacity. However, it is still an incredibly efficient way of sending files back and forth. AirDrop works best with photos, videos, contacts, and other smaller items like documents or audio recordings.
How does it work
Unlike Bluetooth, which is proximity-based, Airdrop requires that devices have the same Apple ID on them in order for Airdrops to work. That being said, as long as they have the same iCloud account and Mac or PC with WiFi or Ethernet-enabled, users, can send photos or links between their devices. In order for Airdrop on iPhone devices to work, go into Settings > General > AirDrop.
Security concerns about Airdrop
Although Airdrop is a new technology, it is not immune to hacking or other cyber security risks. Before using Airdrop, keep in mind that files can be accessed, opened, downloaded, or modified. Files shared with you could also be copied by a bad actor.
Is there an Android version of AirDrop
Yes. Apple releases beta versions of Airdrop with iOS so that you can use it on your Android device as well. The downside is that the majority of devices only have one type of NFC chip, so it won’t work for all devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4. Theoretically, if more manufacturers came out with NFC chips capable of reading different types of data types like Apple does in their phones then there would be no problem with it being used on more devices than the iPhone 5s.
Does iOS send data via Wi-Fi Direct?
Wi-Fi Direct is a communication protocol that allows devices, without a Wi-Fi access point or Internet connection, to send small files to each other. The protocol functions with near-field communication (NFC), so you can use one device to push data onto another in close proximity.
Troubleshooting tips
Don’t know how Airdrop works? Airdrop enables users to transfer files like photos, videos, or music from one Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) to another without having to be on the same WiFi network.
what technology does airdrop use?
In a nutshell, Airdrop allows you to transfer content from one iOS device to another. Users simply hold their devices close together, allowing them (through Wi-Fi) to see the other device’s unique identification number. From there, a quick dialog box pops up on each device asking if they’d like to share something from their device. If so, it will automatically transmit.
Why Airdrop is fast?
What’s so special about Airdrop? First of all, it is completely free and has very low data usage costs. The content transfer protocol (CTP) used by AirDrop works by creating a Wi-Fi link between the two devices that both have turned on the AirDrop service. AirDrop scans for other AirDrop-enabled iOS devices within the same Wi-Fi network as yours, then tap your Mac or iPad screen to share a device’s content with you.
How to AirDrop From an iPhone or a Mac
Just be sure you have both the computer with the file and your iPhone in range of a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Turn on Wi-Fi on your iPhone if you don’t want to use data, then just tap Share (it’s the box with an arrow pointing up) > Airdrop.
