Will iOS Get Lion's "AirDrop" Feature?
February 25, 2011
It is pretty obvious that iOS devices are influencing the next version of Mac OS X, dubbed "Lion." Yet, one feature that iOS devices may take from the next Mac OS is a feature called "AirDrop."
Essentially, AirDrop will allow users on the same Wi-Fi network to transfer files quickly and easily. According to Apple's description of the upcoming feature, it is easy to set up and requires no special settings.
With AirDrop in Mac OS X Lion, you can send files to anyone around you — wirelessly. AirDrop doesn’t require setup or special settings. Just click the AirDrop icon in the Finder sidebar, and your Mac automatically discovers other people nearby who are using AirDrop. You’ll even see contact photos for those who are already in your Address Book. To share a file, simply drag it to someone’s name. Once accepted, the file transfers directly to the person’s Downloads folder. When you’re done with AirDrop, close the Finder and your Mac is no longer visible to others.Unfortunately, the description doesn't mention if it will come to the iOS, but we can assume that it will. It just makes sense. The name should be a clear indication. It suspiciously follows the pattern of both AirPrint and AirPlay. What could we possibly see in an iOS version of AirDrop? An iOS version could perhaps AirDrop pictures in your photos app as quickly as you took them. Maybe even easily transfer music and/or videos from one iOS device to another, as well as your Mac. One possibility that I envision is a seamless, wireless syncing method that many of us have wanted for a very long time. Imagine pulling out your iOS device and simply touching an AirDrop button and all your pictures, contacts, and music are all wirelessly synced across all your devices and your Mac. I see big things for AirDrop and I'm looking forward to seeing where Apple takes the feature. What are some other uses you could see for AirDrop? Share you thoughts below.