It appears that WhatsApp is still developing an in-house file sharing feature, akin to the AirDrop function used on Apple devices. This time around, WABetaInfo has discovered that the Meta-owned messaging platform could potentially integrate Google’s Nearby Share feature for this purpose.
On that note, the tool itself is found in the Android version of WhatsApp’s most recent beta update. But unlike past iterations, this version utilises a QR code approach instead of nearby device detection or gesture-based gimmicks.
The feature is said to be capable of transferring large files such as high-resolution images and videos, even in areas with limited or unstable network coverage – or so WABetaInfo claims. Moreover, the nearby sharing functionality will operate across different platforms regardless of what smartphone you or your contacts are using. That said, WABetaInfo adds that WhatsApp is currently testing the feature on the iOS version of its app as well.
As usual, development of this particular feature appears to still be in its testing stages, and will likely take a while until a public release is made available. Rest assured, we will provide news on its progress regarding when it will officially roll out.
(Source: WABetaInfo, 9to5Mac)
Haikal Nazri contributed to this article.
