How do you wireless transfer files *directly* between two devices?

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fuzzybabybunny

fuzzybabybunny

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I have an Android Nexus 7 (2013), a Samsung Nexus, and a Windows 7 PC.

Say that you're out and about. No existing WiFi network. No USB cable. How do you transfer files wirelessly directly from device to device?

On Android I just found the SuperBeam app, but it only works for Android to Android transfers.
 
fuzzybabybunny

fuzzybabybunny

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Exophase said:
You can do it over Bluetooth. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-use-bluetooth-to-transfer-files-between-a-c.html

But that means your computer needs Bluetooth. It can be added with a pretty cheap USB dongle if necessary.
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-use-bluetooth-to-transfer-files-between-a-c.html
Click to expand...

BT isn't that fast though, right? This is what I don't get.

Almost EVERYTHING has WiFi, a fast, long range, wireless data transfer technology. Why isn't it possible for any and all devices to just directly send things to each other via WiFi?
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

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Jul 18, 2004
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Fardringle

Fardringle

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Oct 23, 2000
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You want an Ad Hoc wireless network. Not all wireless devices are capable of hosting or connecting to an Ad Hoc signal, but it will accomplish what you want if your devices can do it.
 
lopri

lopri

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Jul 27, 2002
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gorcorps said:
Never could get bluetooth transfers to work from my gs3 to my PC. Haven't tried it on my s4
Click to expand...

Try changing the file extension to something innocent-looking, such as .jpg or .mp3.

Edit: Also, for PC to receive a file via Bluetooth, it has to be "ready." Click on the Bluetooth icon in the notification center and it will give you the option "Receive a file." You have to initiate that command ahead of sending something from a phone/tablet. I have no idea under which criteria they block certain types of files from being transferred. (although it is easy to understand why they block .exe or .apk) Samsung devices don't seem to be as picky - at least on the Note 8 and the S4.

Bluetooth works great for me between Android devices and PCs, between Android devices, or between iDevices and PCs. It doesn't work properly between Android and iOS, though. iOS refuses to play nice with Android, as far as I can tell.

Edit 2: Oh, the OP already found the Superbeam. I missed that. One simple app - it's actually not even an app, but a widget - that I can think of is FTP Widget. It's very easy to use. There are tons of server apps that you can try as well.
 
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fuzzybabybunny

fuzzybabybunny

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lopri said:
Try changing the file extension to something innocent-looking, such as .jpg or .mp3.

Edit: Also, for PC to receive a file via Bluetooth, it has to be "ready." Click on the Bluetooth icon in the notification center and it will give you the option "Receive a file." You have to initiate that command ahead of sending something from a phone/tablet. I have no idea under which criteria they block certain types of files from being transferred. (although it is easy to understand why they block .exe or .apk) Samsung devices don't seem to be as picky - at least on the Note 8 and the S4.

Bluetooth works great for me between Android devices and PCs, between Android devices, or between iDevices and PCs. It doesn't work properly between Android and iOS, though. iOS refuses to play nice with Android, as far as I can tell.

Edit 2: Oh, the OP already found the Superbeam. I missed that. One simple app - it's actually not even an app, but a widget - that I can think of is FTP Widget. It's very easy to use. There are tons of server apps that you can try as well.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have the FTP Server thing as well. I create a wireless hotspot with my phone, set up the FTP Server app, and connect my computer to the hotspot and then use Filezilla to connect to the phone-hosted FTP server.

But HOLY CRAP, talk about an overly-complicated stupid workaround.

I mean, why is it so hard to just transfer files wirelessly directly between two very wireless-capable devices at fast rates? Bluetooth bandwidth is only 800 kbps... and is really only designed for peripherals, not full-blown data transfer at high speeds.

Yesterday I downloaded a video file on my Samsung Nexus phone and I wanted to watch it on my bigger Nexus tablet. I had to use SuperBeam.

If I want to transfer the video to my laptop with the bigger screen, and I don't have a USB cable or my jack isn't working or the proper drivers aren't installed or the drivers aren't working properly, I'm screwed unless I do that crazy FTP server workaround...

It all just seems so convoluted. Get rid of the need to already be on a wireless network with a router. Get rid of Bluetooth as an option. Get rid of requiring NFC to initiate the handshake. Gahhhhhh....
 
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E

Exophase

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Apr 19, 2012
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Yeah, Bluetooth is not most efficient option by a long shot. I just gave it because it's the one that involves the least setup. No, it's not fast or even particularly reliable.
 
zerocool84

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
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NFC which pairs the bluetooth seamlessly and I transfer pictures and other things between my Nexus 7 and Optimus G super quickly. Only problem is PC which is obviously more difficult without a wifi network. If there is one, I use Wifi File Explorer app.
 
lopri

lopri

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zerogear said:
WiFi Direct?
Click to expand...

That would be an option if there are support/products on Windows. I am guessing there might be a solution but probably expensive and unreliable like many new/niche techs. Heck, even Bluetooth is a hassle on Windows. It's a mystery.
 
Red Storm

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
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Edit: Oh no internet?

Considering you have that many devices with you out and about, why exactly can you not have a USB cable with you?
 
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zerogear

zerogear

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Jun 4, 2000
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lopri said:
That would be an option if there are support/products on Windows. I am guessing there might be a solution but probably expensive and unreliable like many new/niche techs. Heck, even Bluetooth is a hassle on Windows. It's a mystery.
Click to expand...

It's supported on Windows 8 by default if you have a Intel wireless card that supports Wi-Fi Direct.
 
vshah

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
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you can set up your win7 pc's wireless card as an access point that the other devices can connect to. then you can use your file sharing protocol of choice.
 
J

JAG87

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Jan 3, 2006
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Create a hot spot with a capable device and use Airdrop. Of course only works with OSX. Soon likely between iOS and OSX too.
 
zerogear

zerogear

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Easy option: Install connectify on one machine and use it as a hot spot. Then use wifi explorer on Android.
 
corkyg

corkyg

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I do it with the Kingston Wi-Drive after installing the Wi-Drive app on both devices.
 
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