WhatsApp May Bring End-To-End Encrypted Nearby Share-Like Feature Soon​

The future WhatsApp file-sharing function would supposedly be similar to Apple’s AirDrop and Android’s Nearby Share, according to Wabetainfo.

WhatsApp May Bring End-To-End Encrypted Nearby Share-Like Feature Soon​

WhatsApp may soon introduce a Nearby Share-like feature for desktops and phones

In enhancing the user’s experience with the best features, WhatsApp is developing a new file-sharing feature that will compete with Apple’s AirDrop and Android’s Nearby Share. According to Wabetainfo, this feature will make it easy for WhatsApp users to share files, and WhatsApp’s version of “Nearby Share” will let users send and receive protected files from one end to the other.

As per sources, this new feature is currently in the development phase. Hence, beta testing is still not accessible. Found in Android beta version 2.24.2.20, the feature could look quite different when released, according to screenshots posted on the WhatsApp beta testing site.

What is the new nearby file-sharing feature on WhatsApp?

The new WhatsApp file-sharing feature will allow users to share files across several platforms, including Android, Windows, and ChromeOS on PCs. The key highlight over here is that users can share files up to 2GB in size. Not only that, but it’s supposedly quicker than more conventional ways, like sending files through chat or cloud storage.

The current scenario says the close file-sharing feature is accessible only to a certain radius. Also, once a transfer starts, the users must stay there for it to complete. With the upgrade, your phone number is completely protected from unknown users even though you can be seen by those using the service. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption further protects the function and the transmitted files.

With built-in capabilities like Google Nearby Share and Samsung Quick Share, the feature’s utility for Android users is unclear. However, it’s an excellent addition for WhatsApp Web and PC users. The rumors also fail to specify when or if the feature will be available for iPhones. But to compensate for it, iOS users have the AirDrop tool.

Features of Nearby Share-Like

End-to-end encryption is just one more way WhatsApp keeps your data safe when you share media assets, the majority of which will be images and videos. Additionally, when users share files with people outside of their connections, the platform will secure the privacy of their phone numbers. Despite its many similarities to AirDrop, it is unknown whether files will be instantly downloaded to the user’s camera roll or if it will only function with Bluetooth. So far, WhatsApp only lets you simultaneously send 100 photographs over standard chat, so we’ll have to see how this addition changes things.

Other WhatsApp features to look out for

WhatsApp has tested more than a dozen new features over the past year. You can listen to songs together, host watch parties, make group events, and do many other things via the newest ones.

As of Android version 2.24.2.17, users of the future file-sharing functionality can access it through the WhatsApp beta. It requires them to open a new area for sending and receiving files.

Coming up next, beta users will soon enjoy a new function that allows them to exchange files with anyone nearby easily. Both users must access this section to send and receive files, as seen in the screenshot. It ensures secure sharing even when users are close together. “It seems like shaking the device is going to be required to generate a share request, so file exchanges will still be controlled,” Wabetainfo stated on its page.

The bonus point is sharing is end-to-end encrypted. It ensures that file sharing is secure even when you’re not in a WhatsApp discussion or are in an unfamiliar network environment, it said.

Regarding transferring files, WhatsApp might follow a strategy similar to Quick Share by utilizing cellular data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, and WebRTC. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough specifics on the feature in development to provide a definitive statement.

Conclusion

A new feature in WhatsApp Channels is the ability to transmit voice updates on channels, similar to voice messages. Adding voice updates to WhatsApp Channels lets creators get to know their audience better by recognizing the voice as an easy and personal way to communicate for many.