In the latest beta version of the popular messenger application, WhatsApp is planning to introduce a new feature that will allow users to exchange files with people nearby. Similar to Apple AirDrop, this feature will work by directly sharing files from one device to another.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, a source of WhatsApp information, the application is testing a new feature that will utilize WiFi connections. If all goes according to plan, the feature will be introduced to all users soon.
The new feature will work by activating a prompt and then confirming the shared content by shaking the smartphone. Importantly, it will allow users to send files without the need for the recipient to be added as a contact. The transactions will be secure and encrypted, ensuring that no third-party can interfere with the file sharing.
Furthermore, privacy will be maintained during the file sharing process, as there will be no need to share phone numbers. This is a highly useful feature that will enhance the capabilities of WhatsApp, such as chat blocking.
Given the widespread usage of WhatsApp on both iOS and Android systems, this feature could prove to be very useful and replace the need to use other content-sharing applications.
Control and Assurance
Currently, you can send a file to a WhatsApp contact by sending a message directly to that person. On iPhone, you can do this by selecting the plus icon, while on Android, you need to press the attachment button and then send or receive a file of up to 2GB.
Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, will need to have control and assurance regarding this new feature to avoid the errors associated with AirDrop, for which Apple was criticized in the UK for sharing unwanted materials. Later, the duration during which users can receive files from unknown individuals was limited to 10 minutes, so it is possible that WhatsApp will also introduce similar time restrictions.
The file-sharing feature will likely be added in a future update of the instant messaging application.
Image: Anton/Pexels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What new feature does WhatsApp plan to introduce in the latest beta version of the app?
WhatsApp plans to introduce a feature that allows users to exchange files with people nearby, similar to Apple AirDrop.
2. How will this new WhatsApp feature work?
The feature will work by directly sharing files from one device to another using a WiFi connection. Users can confirm the shared content by shaking their smartphone.
3. Is it necessary to have the recipient added as a contact to share files?
No, the new feature will allow file sharing without the need for the recipient to be added as a contact.
4. Will the transactions be secure?
Yes, the feature provides complete encryption, ensuring that no third-party can interfere with the file sharing.
5. Will this feature impact user privacy?
Even during file sharing, user privacy is maintained as there is no need to share phone numbers.
6. What are the possible applications of this feature?
This feature will enhance WhatsApp’s capabilities, such as chat blocking, and replace the need to use other content-sharing applications.
7. Are there any limitations on file sending in the current version of WhatsApp?
Currently, you can send a file to a WhatsApp contact, but the file size is limited to 2GB.
8. Will WhatsApp prioritize control and assurance for this new feature?
Yes, Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, will need to have control and assurance regarding this new feature to avoid errors similar to those in AirDrop.
9. Will WhatsApp introduce similar time restrictions as AirDrop?
It is possible that WhatsApp will introduce similar time restrictions as Apple, which limited the duration during which users can receive files from unknown individuals to 10 minutes.
10. When can we expect the addition of the file-sharing feature to WhatsApp?
The file-sharing feature will likely be added in a future update of the instant messaging application.
Definitions:
– WhatsApp: a popular messenger application that enables instant messaging between users.
– beta: a test version of an application or software before its official release.
– Apple AirDrop: a feature in Apple devices that allows direct file sharing between nearby devices.
– WABetaInfo: a service that publishes information about WhatsApp and its new features.
Suggested links:
– WhatsApp
– Apple
The source of the article is from the blog myshopsguide.com