I use the default cursor to select an area (in this case a neighbourhood defined by the open layer) on the map. Then, in the pop-up window, it is possible to click actions and the 'use this area for near me' option. This opens up the Near me widget automatically but does not start to process the given area until I change the distance unit to something else.
I'm using ExB in AGOL.
Image 1: data action to push given area to the near me widget
Image 2 and 3: The near me widget does open the near widget (image 2), but does not automatically give results until I redefine the distance units (image 3):
And I am gladly looking forward to the new ExB update coming June!