WhatsApp Working On New File Sharing Feature (Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash)

Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to share files with nearby contacts. The new feature, first spotted by WABetaInfo, permits file transfers via Bluetooth. Notably, Google also recently revealed its latest Quick Share system, which was developed in partnership with Samsung.

WhatsApp”s latest file-sharing tool was spotted in the beta for the Android 2.24.2.20 update. As per the screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp users are required to navigate to a new section where they can send and receive files. As per the report, users are required to shake the device to generate a share request. This will effectively keep file transfers under control. It is worth mentioning that the new feature is end-to-end encrypted.

The new feature is expected to enhance the user experience. In the report, WABetaInfo also says that the file sharing tool is ideal for situations where a direct and fast transfer is required. WhatsApp has not given any official statement on this development. However, the latest feature is currently under development, and it is expected to be available in future updates of WhatsApp.

The popular messaging platform had earlier rolled out the ability to send documents up to 2GB. With this, WhatsApp users were able to send documents, media files, images, and videos up to 2GB.

Meanwhile, Google announced Quick Share at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas. Google made this move in partnership with Samsung. Notably, the latest default file-sharing system for Android will replace Google’s Nearby Share, which was introduced in 2020. Quick Share will be rolled out in February to all devices that have Nearby Share.