WhatsApp is currently developing a novel feature allowing users to effortlessly share large files with nearby devices, akin to Google's Nearby Share for Android and Apple's AirDrop for iPhones.
This WhatsApp feature, anticipated to be exceptionally seamless due to the app's nature, is included in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20 update. Despite its presence in the update, it remains inaccessible for beta testers at the moment.
The feature facilitates file-sharing through WhatsApp with devices in proximity, introducing a new 'people nearby' section, as revealed in a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo.
Both parties must activate the feature to send and receive files, with visibility displayed through the WhatsApp name while concealing the phone number from non-contacts.
To accept the share request, the recipient needs to open WhatsApp and shake their device. WhatsApp asserts that the file-sharing is end-to-end encrypted. However, details regarding the maximum file size permitted by WhatsApp have not been disclosed.
Given its focus on nearby sharing, it is expected that this feature will enable the transfer of large-sized files that might be impractical through the regular app. There's also speculation that file sharing could occur without internet connectivity, similar to Google's Nearby Share.
While the file-sharing feature is currently in the testing phase, there's no official timeline for its release to all users. However, it is anticipated to debut on beta platforms in the near future.
In addition to this upcoming feature, the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20 update addresses a camera bug. Some beta testers encountered difficulties initiating the camera after downloading a beta update, requiring a device restart. The latest WhatsApp beta update rectifies this issue, ensuring the proper functionality of the camera.
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