Over the past decade, we have seen Android emerge as the most popular operating system in the world, eclipsing Microsoft Windows. Since the moment it first came out, Google has been doing all it can to turn it into the go-to OS for smartphone users. Top of the line user-friendliness and endless customization has been at the heart of Android’s success story, but it hasn’t been a spotless journey.
The share menu on Android 10 is pretty versatile, allowing you to easily share any stuff to any app or person effortlessly. However, with Android 10, the share menu is seeing some noticeable improvements, much-needed ones in some eyes. Let’s see what the Share Menu in Android 10 is all about.
The issue before Android 10
Android users have always been critical of the OS’ unintuitive sharing menu. The core functionality has never been an issue, but the amount of time it takes to load up the sharing menu, irrespective of the device you’re using, is simply absurd.
In an era where we value prompt, effortless sharing above anything else, Android’s under-optimized sharing menu really takes the wind out of our sails. While noticeable lag in lower-end smartphones has never been uncommon, it’s disappointing to see higher-end devices facing the same issue.
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The solution in Android 10
Google is one of the very few companies that accept and process criticism, and they didn’t take this one lightly. So, starting from Android 10, they have made sure users won’t have to wait for decades before sharing their favorite pictures/videos.
As per Google, Android 10‘s sharing UI loads instantly, as it doesn’t need to wait for shortcuts to publish. Google’s latest OS also brings something called ‘Sharing Shortcuts,’ which allows developers to add a new option in the sharing menu that will share a file in a particular part of a different app at lightning speed. As it’s still early days, you probably won’t see the aforementioned feature in action in your favorite app, but be sure to keep an eye out for future implementations.
So, how good is it?
Theoretically, it isn’t hard to see how great the Android 10 sharing menu should be, but practical implementation is always more complicated than perceived. The addition of sharing shortcuts could be termed as a gamechanger. Developers can now allow apps to seamlessly interact with one another, eliminating a couple of extra steps in between.
For example, assume you have recorded a video and want to edit it to perfection before unleashing on social media. To do that, you simply need to fetch the video, hit share, and pick the intended target. Your video should now show up in the editing app, allowing you to carry out the edits.
As mentioned earlier, Android users have always had an issue with the lack of intuitiveness on the sharing sheet. Android 10 tries to remedy the situation by suggesting relevant sharing options based on previous usage and context.
For example, if you wish you to share a text/link, you’ll get options, such as Copy to clipboard and Compose an email in Gmail. Sharing a picture, on the other hand, will get you shortcuts to image sharing apps.
All these changes might not look groundbreaking, and it’s difficult to say they are. However, considering how we have struggled to get a functional sharing menu, Android 10’s initiative is certainly a step in the right direction.
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