WhatsApp is introducing a new file-sharing feature, “Nearby Share”, that works in a similar way to Apple’s AirDrop.
Nearby Share allows users to send and receive large files, such as documents, photographs, and videos, between both Android and iOS phones without needing to be connected to the internet.
The feature was first seen in April this year in a beta version of WhatsApp for Android and has surfaced once again in an iOS beta release. It includes a QR code that users must scan to begin the file-sharing process.
The WhatsApp-focussed news publication WABeta Info, which reported on both test releases of Nearby Share, outlined some of the advantages of this capability.
Sharing files with people nearby without relying on an Internet connection significantly will enhance the file transfer experience.”
“This method is particularly advantageous for large files such as high-resolution photos, videos, and documents, especially in areas with limited or unstable network coverage, where people might be unable to use WhatsApp.
“This feature will also work across different platforms, including Android and iOS, regardless of the type of device users or their contacts are using.
Turning to security, it added: “In addition, this is compatible with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the content.”
Nearby Share for WhatsApp
Nearby Share can share files provided your phone can “find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices” and get permission from the destination device before anything can be successfully received.
At this point, it seems that iOS is a little more restrictive than its Android counterpart. Whether that is due to technological limitations or an added security feature is unclear, but it requires that a QR code be scanned to start the file-sharing process.
Fortunately, Android users will not be hampered by iOS restrictions, as the features are being built differently for each platform. Tech Radar believes this could give it the edge over its inspiration and competition, AirDrop.
According to WABetaInfo, this file-sharing feature is in an “early stage of development,” and we have not been given a date for its general release yet.
In fact, despite being published on both the Android and iOS testing centres, the capability is not even available to testers yet.
WABetaInfo warns, therefore, that the final product may be significantly different to the version we can see now:
The final implementation might change significantly before its official release, and it might ultimately work similarly to the Android version.”
“The current design and functionality are still being refined, and additional details regarding permissions, privacy measures, and the overall user experience will likely be adjusted as WhatsApp continues to test and improve this feature.
“It’s also worth noting that the eventual release of the file-sharing feature for people nearby remains uncertain due to several factors, and its future availability will be determined over time.”
UC Today’s Rebekah Carter recently explored how to use Meta AI WhatsApp features for business messaging, how to send video notes on WhatsApp, and how to send WhatsApp and iMessages from within Teams.
