WhatsApp on Android will soon let you share files with nearby friends
WhatsApp may be getting its own version of Apple’s AirDrop, as a recent Android beta hints that a file-sharing feature is in the works.
A post on WABetaInfo offers insight in the possible update. Like AirDrop, the feature only works between two people. Both users must have the software open for the tool and be “nearby” to exchange files. What’s especially interesting about file sharing is that the receiving person has to physically shake their smartphone to create a share request.
WABetaInfo explains that this is intended to maintain a “controlled approach to file exchanges” between contacts. It’s similar to how AirDrop lets people configure settings so they only receive content from trusted sources. However, the website claims that it will be possible to share media with non-contacts on WhatsApp. Phone numbers remain hidden in this situation to maintain anonymity.
And just like sending messages on WhatsApp, file sharing is end-to-end encrypted, according to the website, protecting the personal information and content being sent from outside interference.
Awaiting information
That’s pretty much all that’s known about WhatsApp’s file sharing feature. Many details have yet to be revealed.
It is not known exactly how sending media to non-contacts will work. Will all receiving users also have to shake their device or will Meta change its mind and throw out that step and replace it with a simple menu setting? Going back to AirDrop, Apple’s version lets you change the receive setting to Everyone, which allows non-contacts to accept content from you.
Additionally, we don’t know if there are file size limitations for shared files. The maximum size for sending media to group chats is currently 2 GB. The upcoming feature will likely be of a similar scope, although it would be nice to see Meta push the limit. Considering we live in a world where 4K videos exist, an expansion would be great.
No word on when this update will be available to beta testers. WABetaInfo states that the tool is still in development, so no preview build exists yet. If you’d like to try out the file sharing feature once it’s ready, you can become a WhatsApp beta tester by joining the Google Play Beta Program. You may be one of the lucky few who gets access later.
Analytics: cross-platform sharing
One thing we would like to see is compatibility between different operating systems. Imagine being able to send files from an Android phone to an iOS device and vice versa. It would certainly give WhatsApp an edge over Quick Share.
If you’re not familiar, Google and Samsung recently entered into a partnership that has resulted in many new products and combining Nearby Share into Quick Share. Now Android users can use the feature for quick file sharing, hence the name. Assuming Meta rolls out the update in its current state, this could cause a lot of confusion as people would arguably receive the same thing twice. Supporting WhatsApp’s tool cross-platform would make it stand out significantly.
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