WhatsApp Unveils New ‘Share Files’ Feature for Seamless File Sharing

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature called ‘Share files with people nearby’. The feature is currently available for beta testers. It aims to simplify file sharing by allowing users to exchange files with individuals in close proximity. The development came after WhatsApp introduced HD file sharing without compression up to 2 GB in size last year.

WhatsApp beta users on Android 2.24.2.17 now have access to the ‘Share files with people nearby feature. In terms to initiate file transfer using this feature user must access a dedicated section. This ensures that file sharing occurs securely within a short distance. The feature reportedly utilizes device shaking to initiate a share request providing a controlled and intentional approach to file transfers.

The feature also benefits from end-to-end encryption emphasizing the importance of user privacy. This ensures that file transfers remain secure even when users are not actively engaged in a WhatsApp chat or are in an unfamiliar network setting.

While Android and Apple offer their file-sharing features, WhatsApp’s upcoming feature stands out due to enhanced encryption and privacy benefits. It is to be noted that phone numbers remain hidden from non-contacts, making it particularly appealing for public spaces.

In addition to the file-sharing innovation, WhatsApp has rolled out several new features for its Channels enhancing the platform’s one-way broadcasting tool. These features include:

• Voice Updates: It allows channels to send voice messages to their followers for more effective communication.
• Polls: It enables channels to create polls and gather feedback from their audience.
• Share to Status: It connects channels with personal contacts by letting users share Channel messages to their status.
• Multiple Admins: improves group management by allowing Channels to have more than one admin facilitating seamless communication within Channels.

As WhatsApp continues to innovate the platform is expected to remain a dominant platform in messaging space. The ‘Share files with people nearby’ feature could provide users with a more intuitive and secure method of file sharing, further solidifying WhatsApp’s position in the competitive social messaging platform landscape.