WhatsApp to introduce an Airdrop-like feature for Android and iOS users - Details

A new report says the popular messaging platform WhatsApp is predicted to launch a new feature for exchanging media files without any internet connectivity, which might be similar to Apple’s Airdrop option. At present, the new feature is in the testing phase on Android and soon it will also be rolled out for iPhone customers.

Reports say that the new feature will let users share videos, images, and documents with users who are nearby and wirelessly using end-to-end encrypted connectivity. Remarkably, the new option to be introduced might function differently in both iOS and Android devices.

Although Android users will be able to view nearby users, users on the iOS platform will be required to scan a QR code to exchange media files without internet connectivity. However, there is no further information regarding the new Nearby Share feature available at present. Furthermore, WhatsApp has been apparently developing two new features for Android users, the first one of on-device live translation of messages and the second one is live transcription of voice messages.

A report reveals that the live translation option has been provided in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.24.15.8. This feature reportedly leverages on-device processing, which means that users’ message data stays on the device rather than being transported to a server. This feature also gives priority to users’ privacy and provides quicker translation speeds. Although it will only support English and Hindi, later in the future it is predicted to provide assistance for more languages.

Live transcription for voice messages is also being tested currently. This has been witnessed in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.24.15.5. It is considered to be a game-changer for people who like to exchange audio messages or those who have certain accessibility requirements. The popular messaging app has lately declared the release of a ‘Favorites’ filter for messaging and calls. Users can search these favourites at the top of their calls tab and utilize them as a filter for their chatting.