Google to end support for Android Beam API, Live Cases seamless setup for Pixel and Nexus series

Google is shutting down support for Android Beam API that uses NFC to initiate a connection between two devices. Since NFC can’t really be used to transfer large files, the two devices then connect over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files. However, the API isn't going away overnight, Google is placing the feature behind a new Android platform feature flag called android.sofware.nfc.beam. Meaning, future devices running Android Q, Android Beam support will not be enabled by default. Device makers will have to declare support for android.software.nfc.beam just like they already declare support for NFC. It is unclear if Google would add new requirements to the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) to force future devices launching or updating to Android Q to not declare support for Android Beam. Google is also dropping support for seamlessly setting up Live Cases. Live Cases were a way for people to not only pick a case design of their liking but to also theme their phone with a live wallpaper that matches the case. Google made the service was made fully available with the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, and it first experimented with Skrillex-branded Live Cases for the Nexus 6. Live Cases made a comeback for the first-generation Pixel and Pixel XL with a shortcut ...