Peer-to-peer messaging application, WhatsApp users will soon be able to send media files like photos, videos, music files, documents, etc to other WhatsApp users even when they are not connected to internet. They will be able to do so via Bluetooth technology. Apparently, this offline file-sharing feature will make it more convenient for users of the instant messaging app to send media files, especially when they are in such a place where there is no net connection. But, according to various media outlets, people will be required to have Bluetooth technology in their phones to send files when they are not connected to the net.
Another criterion would be that the users will have to give access to WhatsApp to track their location. Both the sender and receiver of the message might have to give permission to the messaging app to track their location, then only, they can use the offline file transfer feature. This is because, file will be transferred via Bluetooth. So, the phones first need to be connected via the technology to send files. By giving access to location, the phone will be better able to detect nearby devices that have Bluetooth. Then after pairing devices one can transfer files over WhatsApp.
Another criterion is that, one might have to give permission to the messaging app to access file storage and gallery of their phone. Only, then, WhatsApp can catch media from their phone’s storage space and transfer files via Bluetooth to other person’s WhatsApp.
Currently, a phone owner can send bulk files to somebody else’s phone through apps like Share IT. Over there also, files are sent via Bluetooth.
At the moment, WhatsApp has implemented the offline file-sharing feature in beta version of its application. Upon success, the instant messaging app will start allowing users to avail of this feature in phased manner, globally.
According to global data and business intelligence platform, Statista, WhatsApp is expected to clock 300 crore users worldwide by June 2024.