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Being able to share files between users nearby is a very convenient feature. All mobile users have access to features like these, but that doesn’t mean that more can’t arise. WhatsApp is currently working on its own file-sharing platform that will allow people to share files when they’re in close proximity.
From the sounds of it, it seems like WhatsApp is going to be bringing its own version of Nearby Share introduced by Google a few years back. Nearby Share allows people to quickly share files between devices without needing to pair via Bluetooth. You can also use Nearby Share on your Windows computer. It’s a very convenient way of sharing files between your phone and computer.
WhatsApp is working on its own file-sharing platform
WhatsApp is one of the biggest messaging platforms in the world, and it’s always testing new features that enhance the experience. For example, it just added voice messages, polls, and more to channels. On version 2.24.2.20 of the Android beta, users found that WhatsApp is working on a new way for easily sharing files.
WABetaInfo provided two screenshots showing a sharing screen. We see that one sharing option is called “People nearby.” Under that, we see the user’s visibility. So, when you want to share a file with someone else, this is the page that you will land on.
The next screenshot shows what you see when you’ve sent a share request. The screen will say that you’re waiting for the other person to receive your share request. Under that, it’ll instruct you to tell the receiving party to open WhatsApp and shake their device to accept the request. So, this is very much for people who are in close proximity to one another.
The files that you share will be end-to-end encrypted, and your phone number will be hidden from non-contacts. Right now, we don’t know exactly when this feature is going to make it to the public. We also don’t know if there will be a file size limit. We’re just going to have to wait for more information on this feature to come out.