The innovation, which was spotted in the current beta version of the popular messenger, allows users to share files with people nearby without revealing their phone number, as WABetaInfo reports.

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This feature, already seen in the Android version of WhatsApp, could significantly change the user experience.

A new era of file transfer

At the heart of this innovation is the ability to securely and easily transfer files between users without requiring an internet connection.

The principle is based on a combination of Bluetooth and WLAN technology. First, a connection to nearby devices is established via Bluetooth before the actual data is transferred via Wi-Fi. This is similar to existing solutions like AirDrop on iOS and Quick Share or Nearby on Android.

Advantage cross-platform compatibility

A key advantage of this new feature could be cross-platform compatibility. Unlike Apple's AirDrop and Android's Nearby Share, which are each limited to their own ecosystems, WhatsApp's feature could enable seamless sharing between Android and iOS devices.

This would be particularly useful in situations where users want to quickly share photos, videos or documents, especially if the internet connection is weak or slow.

Implications and potential

This development could have far-reaching implications for the way people share data, especially in a world where mobile devices and instant messaging communication dominate.

The feature also highlights WhatsApp's ambitions to go beyond traditional messaging features and position its platform as a versatile tool for digital interactions.

Release date for WhatsApp users still open

Although this feature was discovered in beta version 2.24.2.20, the exact release date for the general public still remains unclear.

However, the introduction of this feature could revolutionize the user experience for millions of WhatsApp users worldwide and change the way we communicate and interact across platform boundaries.

questions and answers

Question 1: How does the new WhatsApp feature differ from existing solutions such as AirDrop or Nearby Share?
Answer 1: The new WhatsApp feature, similar to AirDrop and Nearby Share, allows files to be transferred between nearby devices. The key difference, however, lies in cross-platform compatibility, which allows users of different operating systems such as iOS and Android to exchange files with each other.

Question 2: Is file transfer secure?
Answer 2: Yes, WhatsApp emphasizes the security of this feature through end-to-end encryption. This means that the data is protected during transmission and the privacy of the users is maintained.

Question 3: Does sharing files reveal the phone number?
Answer 3: No, the feature allows you to share files without revealing your own phone number, as long as the other person is not saved in Contacts.

Question 4: What technologies does WhatsApp use for this feature?
Answer 4: The feature uses a combination of Bluetooth to detect nearby devices and WiFi for the actual data transfer.

Question 5: When will the feature be officially released?
Answer 5: The exact release date is not yet known. It was spotted in beta version 2.24.2.20, but there is no official information about the release date of the final version yet.

A look into the future

WhatsApp's new feature is more than just a technological improvement; it is a step towards a more seamless and inclusive digital world.

Source: futurezone.at , WABetaInfo

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