Google and Samsung recently updated Android’s standard file sharing system, Nearby Share, by renaming it Quick Share. This new feature should enable seamless file sharing between Android phones and computers running Chrome OS and Windows.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is experimenting with a new feature to share files with nearby people. Discovered by WABetaInfo in the latest WhatsApp Android beta, this feature uses Bluetooth to transfer files.

It allows users to share files up to 2 GB in size, offering a faster and more convenient option compared to traditional methods such as sending files via chat or using cloud storage.

WABetaInfo explains that for the transfer to work, both users must be in the File Sharing section of the app and remain there until the transfer is complete.

This method will continue to use end-to-end encryption, making file sharing as secure as the standard WhatsApp method. Interestingly, users will have to shake their phones to start sharing.

The privacy issue is well addressed; file transfer is secure and protected by end-to-end encryption. During transfer, phone numbers will remain private and will not be visible to people who are not in your contact list.

This new feature is useful for regular WhatsApp users but seems a bit redundant with Google and Samsung’s latest Quick Share update. However, the fact that the WhatsApp feature works on both iOS and Android can change the rules of the game. If not, better built-in options may be available on other platforms.

In related WhatsApp news, the company recently announced four new features for Channels users. The company has added features like creating polls, sending voice messages, having multiple admins on channels, and followers can now share channel updates in their WhatsApp status.