Google Play May 2022 system update adds handy Nearby Share feature

Google has released a changelog for the May 2022 system update, and added a much-anticipated feature to Nearby Share.

Google system updates target the Android operating system, Google Play Store and Google Play Services. They affect all things Android, including Android phones, tablets, TV devices, wearables and more. Every month, the company shares detailed logs of the changes it makes with its system updates, but usually, the changelog reads pretty much the same. However, this month is different.

With the added functionality, you will be able to seamlessly share files between devices signed in to the same Google account. That means you no longer have to approve every file you transfer between your own devices. It’s a small tweak, but convenient at that.

Elsewhere, the new Google Play system update also brings a redesign to the Google Help app. Google hasn’t gone into details about the changes, but the app may now be more in line with the company’s Material You design theme that was introduced with the Pixel 6.

You can read the rest of the changelog for updates below. To get the new features, you must upgrade to Google Play services v22.15 and Google Play Store v30.3. You can head to Google Play Store to update Play Services.

May 2022 Google Play system update

Critical Fix

• [Auto, Phone, Tablet, TV, Wear OS] Bug fixes for account management and system management & services related to diagnostics.

Account management

• [Phone, Tablet] Migrate existing device setup onboarding flows for supervised work accounts to a web-based experience.

Device Connection

• [Auto, Phone, TV] Nearby Share now allows users to more seamlessly share content between their devices logged into the same account.

Google Play Store

• Enhancements to the Play-as-you-download feature to allow gamers to start playing mobile games while app downloads continue to reduce wait times.
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• New Features to help you find the Apps & Games you love.
• Optimization allows for faster and more reliable downloads and installations.
• New features for the Play Pass and Play Points programs.
• Improvements to Google Play Billing.
• Continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep your device safe.
• Various performance optimizations, bug fixes, and security, stability, and accessibility improvements.

Support

• [Auto, Phone, Tablet, TV, Wear OS] Design improvements for the Google Help app.

System Management

• Updates to the system management service that improves stability & performance.

Developer Services

• New developer features for Google and third-party app developers to support advertising, location services, and utility-related developer services in their apps.