It has been reported that WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to share files with each other when their devices are nearby. This new feature is similar to how you can share on Android phones and iPhones using Quick Share and AirDrop.
WhatsApp wants to make it easy to send pictures, videos and other files to someone standing right next to you. When complete, users will see a new “People Nearby” option. This lets you find other WhatsApp friends close by who also have it open.
Both people need to have their WhatsApp open for file sharing to work. Just click on a person and the file will be encrypted and sent to their phone privately. The phone numbers stay hidden for privacy too.
Shaking your phone with WhatsApp open may also allow seeing file share requests from nearby users. This makes it simple and quick to transfer stuff without extra steps.
The files are encrypted from start to finish like regular WhatsApp messages. This helps keep shared content private from anyone besides the sender and receiver. Nearby sharing uses Bluetooth, WiFi or cellular networks depending on what’s available.
There’s no word yet on size limits or file type restrictions for WhatsApp’s nearby sharing. We’ll have to wait for more details once it’s out of beta testing. But overall this new feature could be really handy for sending photos, videos and docs to friends right beside you with just a few taps!
