WhatsApp Working on Its Own File-Sharing Feature
Recently WhatsApp has been improving its file sharing features. Last year, the popular messaging platform added support for HD photo sharing for all users. Now, the Meta-owned app has been seen working on a new nearby file-sharing feature that will allow WhatsApp users on Android to share files with other users around them. WhatsApp has also released a fix for the in-app camera bug as part of the same Android beta app update.
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WhatsApp Beta Update
According to a report by WABetaInfo, the app is rolling out an update – version 2.24.2.20 – through the Google Play beta program, which suggests that a new file-sharing feature is in the works. WhatsApp is reportedly developing the ability to share files with other users nearby, like Apple’s AirDrop feature and the feature should be made generally available in future app updates.
Nearby file sharing isn’t ready for beta testers yet, but a report from WABetaInfo previews the feature. A generic screenshot of the feature in development shows the app’s “Share files with people nearby” option, as well as a list of nearby users and a setting that lets users set their visibility.
Additionally, it appears that users will be able to make themselves visible to other users nearby without having to share their phone numbers with people they are not in touch with.
Users also have to wait for nearby users to accept their sharing requests. Nearby users can open WhatsApp and shake their devices to see the incoming trade requests. It’s also worth noting that Nearby Sharing is end-to-end encrypted to ensure privacy.
Although the file-sharing feature is said to be coming soon, the WhatsApp beta update for Android 2.24.2.20 recently fixed a bug that prevented users from launching the in-app camera. According to WABetaInfo, some beta testers on Android are experiencing an issue that is preventing them from launching the in-app camera with WhatsApp beta update 2.24.2.13.
The error will show a message in the app saying that the camera could not be initialized. But restarting the device or restarting the app did not fix the problem.
The latest WhatsApp beta update for Android 2.24.2.20 fixes the camera bug and allows users to launch the camera in WhatsApp and share photos and videos with contacts. Last week, the WhatsApp channel broadcast feature that allows organizations and public figures to send updates to their followers on the messaging platform gained several new tools including a voice note, voting feature, and the ability to share channel status updates.
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