A feature that enables Google Android-based smartphones, tablets and similar mobile devices to share content with other near-field communication-capable devices by simply touching the devices together and pressing a button on the device sending the content. The Android Beam feature first appeared in the v4.1 Ice Cream Sandwich release of Google s Android mobile operating system, which became available in late 2011.
Android Beam relies on near-field communication (NFC) to beam, or transfer, photos, web pages and links, contact details, videos and more between devices. Android Beam can also be used for swipeless or contactless payments and funds transfers.
