WhatsApp is developing and testing a new feature which allows for file sharing with nearby users, akin to Apple’s AirDrop and Google’s Nearby Share. The new tool was recently discovered as part of the Meta-owned messaging platform‘s 2.24.2.20 beta on Android by WABetaInfo.
Much like the aforementioned two, WhatsApp’s own allows users to share files directly to others who are within close proximity. It is unconfirmed, but it is very likely that this feature will utilise Bluetooth connectivity for transferring items.
WABetaInfo noted that this method retains the platform’s end-to-end encryption approach, ensuring that all files remain secure even outside of a WhatsApp chat and in an unknown network environment. In addition, the feature will only display both the sender and recipient’s usernames, and will keep their phone numbers hidden.
The blog also mentioned a gesture-based gimmick, which involves the user shaking their device in order to generate a share request. This process is believed to be optional, thankfully.
As mentioned earlier, the new file sharing feature is still under development and testing, therefore it may take some time before it will be rolled out to the public. You can expect WhatsApp to announce its availability in the near future once all the kinks have been fully ironed out.
(Source: WABetaInfo)
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