WhatsApp’s so-called alternative to Google’s Quick Share (formerly known as Nearby Share) was first spotted in January, though it seemed far from a proper release at that time. A new report now suggests that WhatsApp may not have given up on the said feature, purportedly called “People Nearby”, and has been secretly working on it all this time.
WABetaInfo, a renowned source for WhatsApp updates, seems to have spotted the feature once again, within WhatsApp beta version 2.24.9.22 for Android, albeit with a completely redesigned user interface fit for a “prime-time” launch anytime soon. The version found in January seemed “bare bones” in comparison.
Follow FE Tech Bytes on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook.
WhatsApp People Nearby update
The updated WhatsApp People Nearby UI introduces new elements and outlines necessary permissions, including media, location, and local network access, per the report. In contrast, the earlier January beta release merely provided glimpses of device discoverability and file transfer interface.
It goes without saying that the latest UI iteration appears more polished and closer to being ready for a launch. However, the reports adds that it remains inaccessible to all WhatsApp beta testers, at least for now, hinting that there may be some more waiting to go before a wider rollout.
An interesting thing to note is that file sharing through People Nearby employs end-to-end encryption, meaning phone numbers will remain private during the whole process. As the name suggests, it will allow users to send and receive files including photos with “nearby” people, much in the same way as Android’s Quick Share or Apple’s Airdrop.
The utility of such a feature cannot be overstated, particularly in scenarios where you wish to share documents or images with nearby contacts without revealing personal phone numbers. Discoverability toggles will further ensure you receive files only from trusted sources and only when you are ready.
There is of course no information on when WhatsApp’s People Nearby feature will be available to all users at the time of writing. Watch this space for more updates.
