Apple’s AirDrop has long been hailed as a convenient way to quickly transfer files between Apple devices, without the need for a wifi network. However, its major drawback is that it only works with Apple devices. But now, WhatsApp is stepping in to fill this gap with their upcoming feature called Nearby Share, which will allow users to send photos, videos, and documents to nearby devices without an internet connection.
Initially, Nearby Share was rumored to be exclusive to Android devices, but it has now been spotted in an iOS beta, indicating that it will also be available for iPhone users. This new feature will work in a similar way to AirDrop, requiring the two devices to find and connect to each other, and the recipient must grant permission to receive the files.
In response to incidents of unwanted file-sharing in public places, Apple recently restricted AirDrop to contacts only, requiring users to manually enable the option to receive files from anyone. However, WhatsApp’s Nearby Share will take a different approach, requiring iPhone users to scan a QR code to commence the file-sharing process, possibly due to Apple’s strict security measures or iOS limitations.
The most significant advantage of WhatsApp’s Nearby Share over AirDrop is its ability to offer true cross-platform connectivity, enabling users to share files between Android and iOS devices while maintaining WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption for messages. Although there is no official release date yet, it appears that Nearby Share is in the advanced stages of development and will likely be available in the near future.
In conclusion, WhatsApp’s upcoming Nearby Share feature aims to bridge the gap between Android and iOS devices by offering a file-sharing solution similar to AirDrop. While Apple’s AirDrop remains a popular choice for Apple users, the addition of cross-platform connectivity through Nearby Share will provide a more inclusive and versatile option for sharing files between different devices. With the potential for enhanced security measures and easy file-sharing capabilities, Nearby Share is poised to become a valuable addition to WhatsApp’s suite of features.
