WhatsApp could soon get internet-free file sharing thanks to AirDrop-style upgrade

Date:
Tue, 23 Jul 2024 21:30:00 +0000

Description:
Still under development, Nearby Share would allow WhatsApp users to share files between Android and iOS devices.

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WhatsApp has seemingly been inspired by Apple, as evidence recently found suggests that the platform is working on its own version of AirDrop . The feature was initially discovered by WABetaInfo in an Android beta from April 2024 . It has since resurfaced in an iOS beta under the new name of Nearby Share.

According to the report, Nearby Share will allow users to send different file types (e.g., photographs, videos, and text documents) to other smartphones within their vicinity without needing an internet connection. Not requiring the internet is a big deal as it allows people to move large files when under limited or unstable network coverage. However, the way the feature functions on the operating systems will differ. Cross-system sharing

On Android , it works similarly to AirDrop. WhatsApp can freely share files
so long as your phone can find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices. Plus, the recipient must also give permission to others in order to receive anything. However, there are restrictions on iOS.

The iPhone version requires users to scan a QR code to begin the file-sharing process, as it doesnt support the nearby device detection method. Its unknown why WhatsApp is switching to QR codes on iOS. Android Authority theorizes it could be an extra layer of security to stop malicious files from reaching
your smartphone. Others, like 9To5Mac , believe it could be due to iOS limitations.

WABetaInfo states that end-to-end encryption, like all WhatsApp messages,
will protect files sent through Nearby Share. Whats really interesting is
that the feature is apparently set to work across different platforms, including Android and iOS. Users will not be burdened by OS limitations,
which could make it superior to AirDrop. Pending launch

Development on Nearby Share is still ongoing. Meta is reportedly refining the tools design while also figuring out the details regarding permissions [and] privacy measures. As the company tests the software, certain aspects will likely see adjustments over time and may not make a final version.

Theres no word on when the feature is going to be released. WABetaInfo claims an official launch date remains uncertain due to several factors. Nearby
Share is currently unavailable to testers, but if you want to try out other features, you can download the latest WhatsApp beta from Google Play and Apple's TestFlight .

Be sure to join TechRadar's official WhatsApp channel to get all of our
latest articles and reviews directly on your phone. You might also like WhatsApp for Windows 11 gets 3 super-cool new features in its latest update WhatsApp Business is changing messgaing rate to cut down on spam A big WhatsApp update will soon make it easier to find your chats here's how



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/whatsapp-could-soon-get-internet- free-file-sharing-thanks-to-airdrop-style-upgrade


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