WhatsApp Nearby File Sharing Feature for Android in Development Release in Beta Soon Expected All Details

WhatsApp is said to be working on a Nearby file-sharing feature for Android users for some time now, which uses Bluetooth to transfer files. This feature was first reported in January 2024, but it has not even appeared on the beta version of the app. Now, a new report claims that the instant messaging platform is further improving the feature and it may be rolled out in beta soon. It has also been told that the company is also working on the Favorites tab.

The new feature has been spotted by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22 build. seen Was. However, this feature is not visible at the moment. According to the report, the ‘People nearby’ feature now comes with a screen asking the user for several permissions. A separate screen also has an animation for finding people nearby and shows a list of discoverable users.

As per the screenshot, the People nearby feature, which is directly inside the Settings menu, now informs users about the permissions required to turn on WhatsApp. These include access to photos, media and files, access to Bluetooth and access to location. While users need access to files to display and send them, Bluetooth and location services may be needed to maintain connections with other users.

Once all necessary permissions are granted, the user is taken to another page where other users (who have enabled Nearby file-sharing) can become discoverable and share files between each other without the need for Internet connectivity. Can transfer. In the screenshot, WhatsApp claims that sharing is end-to-end encrypted and the user’s phone number will remain hidden.