WhatsApp is on the brink of introducing a feature set to revolutionize file-sharing capabilities for its users, even in the absence of an internet connection. Recent leaks have unveiled the messaging app’s endeavour to facilitate seamless sharing of photos, videos, music, and documents offline.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is actively developing this feature to empower users with the ability to share a variety of files without relying on internet connectivity. Moreover, the shared files will be encrypted, ensuring robust protection against tampering or corruption attempts.
Leaked screenshots from the latest WhatsApp beta for Android shed light on the permissions required to enable this functionality. Notably, the app will seek authorization to identify nearby phones supporting offline file-sharing, a standard system permission on Android allowing apps to scan Bluetooth-enabled devices for local file transfers. Nevertheless, users will retain the autonomy to revoke this access if desired.
In addition to detecting nearby devices, WhatsApp will seek permission to access system files and the device’s photo gallery. Furthermore, location permission will be necessary to ascertain proximity to other devices for potential connections. Despite these permissions, WhatsApp remains committed to safeguarding user privacy by obscuring phone numbers and encrypting shared files, thereby ensuring a secure sharing process.
This innovative feature bears resemblance to the functionality of peer-to-peer file-sharing apps like ShareIT, which enabled seamless file transfers between devices without reliance on cellular or Wi-Fi networks. Given WhatsApp’s widespread usage for sharing diverse media files and documents, this forthcoming feature is poised to become an invaluable addition to the platform.
Although WhatsApp has not disclosed a definitive timeline for the feature’s release, its current beta testing phase suggests an imminent rollout. With its potential to enhance convenience and security in file-sharing endeavors, this feature heralds a new era of efficiency for WhatsApp users worldwide.
