WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.2.20.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a new file sharing feature with people nearby, and it will be available in a future update!

After announcing a new feature to allow users to share files 2GB in size, WhatsApp is now exploring additional functionalities designed to enable users to share files with ease. Specifically, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a new file sharing feature with people nearby, and it will be available in a future update of the app!

As you can see in this screenshot, beta testers will be able to explore a new feature to easily share files with people nearby in the future. This screenshot reveals that both users will need to open this section to send and receive files, ensuring secure sharing within close proximity. It appears that it will be needed to shake the device to generate a share request, maintaining a controlled approach to file exchanges. It's important to note that sharing is end-to-end encrypted. This means that sharing files remain secure even outside of a WhatsApp chat and in an unknown network environment.

In our opinion, implementing a feature in WhatsApp that allows users to share files with people nearby can offer several advantages, enhancing user experience and adding important value to the platform. In particular, users will be able to quickly share files with nearby people and it's ideal for situations where a fast and direct transfer is required. In addition, the phone number always remains hidden to non-contacts, ensuring privacy and security in every file exchange. We believe that this feature enhances file sharing by providing users with a practical solution for various scenarios. As WhatsApp continues to refine and optimize this feature before the official release, it underscores their commitment to delivering a better user experience.

The new file sharing feature with people nearby is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. As always, we are going to publish a new article when we have further information to share with you.

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