WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.19.21: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.19.21.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to scan documents with the camera, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.29 update, we announced that a feature to scan documents with the camera was under development. With the development of this feature, WhatsApp aimed to simplify the process of sharing physical documents by allowing users to scan them directly within the app, without needing to rely on third-party tools. This was intended to offer users a more streamlined and built-in document-sharing experience, allowing them to effortlessly capture, convert, and share documents as PDF. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers have reported gaining access to the new document scanning capability. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.19.21 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to scan documents with the camera!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that allows them to scan documents with the camera directly from the app. This addition eliminates the need for any third-party scanning tools, allowing users to capture and send documents conveniently while on the move. When choosing the "Scan document" option from the document-sharing interface, the phone’s camera is activated right away, displaying a live preview that helps users position the document correctly for capture.

The scanning experience has been built with versatility in mind, aiming to cater to different user needs and usage situations. WhatsApp includes two distinct capture methods, giving users the freedom to choose what works best for them. Specifically, those who prefer greater control over the process can opt for manual capture, which lets them decide the exact moment the photo is taken. This can be especially helpful when careful positioning or lighting adjustments are required to get a high-quality scan. On the other hand, the automatic mode streamlines the process by detecting the edges of the document on its own and snapping the image without user input, offering a quicker experience when time is limited.

After capturing the image, regardless of the selected mode, WhatsApp immediately processes it and converts it into a PDF file. This ensures that the document is ready for instant sharing, whether in a private chat or a group conversation. The entire scanning and conversion workflow takes place locally on the user's device and leverages Android's built-in APIs for document capture. The resulting file stays stored on the device until the user decides to send it through WhatsApp. Like all shared content on the platform, these scanned documents are secured with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended recipients have access and maintaining user privacy throughout the process.

A feature to scan documents with the camera is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

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