WhatsApp may be getting its own version of AirDrop from Apple, as a recent Android beta shows signs that a file-sharing feature is in the works.
A post on WABetaInfo offers information about the possible update. Like AirDrop, the feature only works between two people. Both users must have the software open to the tool and be “very close” to exchange files. What's particularly interesting about this file sharing is that the recipient will need to physically shake their smartphone to create a sharing request.
WABetaInfo explains that this is to maintain a “controlled approach to file sharing” between contacts. It's similar to how AirDrop allows people to configure their settings to only receive content from trusted sources. However, the website claims that it will be possible to share media with people who are not contacts on WhatsApp. Phone numbers will remain hidden in this situation to preserve anonymity.
And just like sending messages on WhatsApp, file sharing is end-to-end encrypted according to the website, ensuring that personal information and content being sent is protected from outside interference.
Pending information
This is practically everything that is known about WhatsApp's file sharing feature. Many of the finer details have yet to be revealed.
It's unknown exactly how sending media to non-contacts will work. Will all receiving users have to shake their device too or will Meta change its mind and discard that step, replacing it with a simple menu setup? Going back to AirDrop, Apple's version lets you change the receive setting to Everyone, allowing non-contacts to accept your content.
Also, we don't know if there are size limitations for shared files. The maximum size for sending media to group chats is 2 GB at this time. The next feature will probably be a similar size, although it would be nice to see Meta expand the limit. Considering we live in a world where 4K video exists, it would be great to have an expansion.
It is unknown when this update will be available to beta testers. WABetaInfo states that the tool is still in development, so there is no preview version yet. If you're interested in trying out the file sharing feature once it's ready, you can become a WhatsApp beta tester by joining the Google Play Beta Program. You may be one of the lucky few to gain access in the future.
Analysis: cross-platform exchange
One thing we would like to see is compatibility between different operating systems. Imagine being able to send files from an Android phone to an iOS device and vice versa. It would certainly give WhatsApp an advantage over Quick Share.
If you're not familiar, Google and Samsung recently entered into a partnership that resulted in many new products and the combination of Nearby Share into Quick Share. Now Android users can use the feature to quickly share files, hence the name. Assuming Meta implements the update in its current state, it could cause a lot of confusion as people would arguably receive the same thing twice. Giving cross-platform support to the WhatsApp tool would make it stand out considerably.
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