WhatsApp continuously announces new features, another addition might catch you off guard. Meta-owned instant messaging app appears to be actively working on a function that let users share files wirelessly.
This particular feature is designed to function flawlessly between devices that are in proximity to each other.
WhatsApp aims to simplify the wireless sharing of files between Android and iPhone devices. The platform is actively working this capability, which will complement the existing file-sharing systems on Android smartphones and iPhones.
WABetaInfo reported, the beta version (2.24.2.20) of WhatsApp for Android incorporates a file-sharing feature specifically tailored for nearby devices.
For this to work, both users must have the People Nearby screen open to send or receive files. In the absence of the other person's phone number nearby, their devices won't be visible to each other.
Moreover, initiating a file-sharing request requires one of the two individuals wanting to share files wirelessly to open the People Nearby screen and shake their device.
Furthermore, this upcoming function supports file sizes of up to 2 GB. Currently undergoing internal testing at WhatsApp, this feature could be released to users later this year.
As per our understanding, this method of file sharing appears to be most useful when transferring files between Android devices and iPhones.
In other scenarios, the native file-sharing methods on Android (Quick Share) and iOS (AirDrop) prove to be more straightforward and faster. It's worth noting that Quick Share was recently integrated with Nearby Share, enhancing ease of use in the Android ecosystem.