Word on the street is that WhatsApp is cooking up a nifty feature that lets you share files with folks nearby. Think of it like Android’s ‘Nearby Share’ – you’ll need to be in the same physical vicinity to make it happen.
As per the latest scoop from WABetaInfo, the new file-sharing feature is up for grabs in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.2.17. To get in on the action, users will need to dive into a fresh section to start sending and receiving files.
Adding to the scoop, it seems like this feature wants users to give their devices a little shake to kickstart a share request. Plus, files can only make their way to users listed in your contacts. Just like your regular WhatsApp texts and calls, the file-sharing gig comes with that trusty end-to-end encryption.
Sure, it might seem like a déjà vu with Android having a similar feature for ages, but the upgraded encryption and the added bonus of keeping your phone incognito from non-contacts make this new trick quite handy. Especially when you’re in public spots and want to share photos or videos discreetly.
According to the report, WhatsApp’s file-sharing feature is still in the works and could pop up in a future app update. However, it’s a bit fuzzy whether and when it will officially land in the stable version of the app.
Lately, WhatsApp rolled out some cool updates for Channels, making the user experience even better. Now you can shoot off voice updates and set up polls in Channels. Rumor has it they’re also tinkering with a ‘calendar search’ feature to help you quickly dig up past messages.
This fresh feature seems to have made its debut in the Android app’s beta version. According to a scoop on AndroidPolice.com, when you’re searching in individual or group chats, there’s now a cute little calendar icon in the search field. Clicking on it reveals a calendar.
However, the report points out that it looks like a server-side change, as no beta testers have officially spotted the icon. Word is, this feature was spotted in action on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.26.16. Keep in mind, the latest version as of today is 2.23.26.17.
