WhatsApp's new Quick Share release

 WhatsApp is getting closer to introduce new Quick Share with nearby feature  

If you use WhatsApp often with family and friends, some upcoming changes to the app might make it easier to transfer files back and forth. This previously discovered feature seems to be getting some new refinements and might be able to replace OS-specific features like AirDrop on iOS and Quick Share on Android. Following are the some of the important points:-

 WhatsApp's People nearby made its first appearance back in January as part of a beta update.

The latest WhatsApp beta for Android contains a revamped version of the quick file transfer feature known as People nearby.

 The chat app is also working on a Favourites feature for preferred contacts on your list.

WhatsApp's Bluetooth file-sharing feature for users nearby was first discovered back in January. We have learned that WhatsApp was working on a Quick Share alternative to offer an easy file-sharing solution for its users. However, the feature, known as People nearby, was far from official, and the early implementation we encountered didn't reveal much about its functionality. We're now coming across a revised version of People nearby, containing a handful of UI refinements. Although still being tested, some new details are being added to the interface, such as a screen advising what the feature does and what permissions are needed. This was found in version 2.24.9.22 of WhatsApp beta on the Google Play Store.

The reports say that this redesigned UI for People nearby within version 2.24.9.22 of WhatsApp beta for Android. It shows a few new elements, along with information on the required permissions, such as media, location and local network access. By comparison, the January WhatsApp beta that first revealed the People nearby feature was fairly bare bones, only showing off the interfaces for device discoverability and file transfer. The idea of the feature is simple. When you want to share a file, you'll be able to find nearby WhatsApp users directly through a new section within the app. The app will then use your device's Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi for discovery (without requiring a data connection), and then you and the recipient will both need to open this new sharing section to connect. 

This will be an "opt-in" approach, which means full privacy control. Additionally, WhatsApp assures users that all file sharing will remain end-to-end encrypted for security, and phone numbers will be hidden even when sharing. To use this feature, you'll need to grant WhatsApp some permissions, including access to the files you want to share and permission to use your device's location services to see which other devices are nearby. The onscreen text also mentions that file sharing via People nearby is end-to-end encrypted, adding that phone numbers aren't shared in the process. These disclaimers were also present in the early version of People nearby.

Overall, the new UI looks more refined and close to prime time. But it's not yet live for all WhatsApp beta testers, so we could be in for a bit of a wait before seeing this feature make it to the stable channel. We can definitely see the usefulness of a feature like this, especially in a scenario where a person wants to share a document or an image with someone in their vicinity without disclosing their phone number. The built-in discoverability toggles should ensure that users only receive files from people they trust and when they want to.

WhatsApp's new file-sharing option could be a game-changer, particularly for large files or when you're in an area with a weak internet connection. However, the most advantage is when using across operating systems. Right now, transferring files between an iPhone and an Android is a complicated matter, unless at least one of the users knows how to use other third party tools. Most of the time, what ends up happening is that one will send the file to the other via text (or SMS), which we know can be limited and will usually result in some awful compression. Having this available within WhatsApp, will definitely make file transfer (particularly photos) practically frictionless. So we envision a future where we no longer need to be the middle man trying to educate friends and family on how to upload to Google Drive or use Snapdrop in order to send a high quality picture. 

    

WhatsApp is also working on a Favourites tab for your preferred contacts or groups, making them more easily accessible. We still don't know if there will be a cap on the Favourites one can add or if these contacts will have a dedicated space within the Chats tab. The ability to add, remove, or reorder the list of Favourites would be available directly from the main Settings page, slotting just below Accounts. Much like most WhatsApp betas, we expect to learn more about this Favourites tab in future releases of the messaging app. Let's hope this feature rolls out soon in an upcoming update.