Meta is developing a file transfer system for WhatsApp that will allow users to easily exchange media with people in close proximity. This new feature, called ‘People Nearby’, is currently being worked on and will be included in an upcoming update of the messaging service. Users will be able to locate nearby individuals through their mobile devices and share files like photos, videos, and documents temporarily.
This function, similar to Google’s Quick Share and Apple’s AirDrop, can be enabled or disabled in the WhatsApp settings. Transfers will be conducted under end-to-end encryption without revealing phone numbers. This development has been observed in the Android beta version of WhatsApp (v2.24.9.22) and its main features have been shared by the specialized portal WABetainfo.
Meta aims to enhance the file-sharing capabilities of WhatsApp by introducing this new feature, allowing users to easily exchange media with people in close proximity. This innovation brings a new dimension to the messaging service and aligns it with the functionalities of other popular file-sharing services in the market.