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WhatsApp Developing Offline File Sharing Similar To AirDrop
The new beta feature for iOS and Android will be called Nearby Share, and allows users to share files offline with nearby devices.
Popular messaging platform WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will significantly improve the way users share files. According to WABetaInfo, the upcoming file-sharing update will allow users to send documents, photos, videos, and other files to nearby devices without needing an internet connection. The feature will be available for both Android and iOS devices, though both versions are currently still in beta.
WABetaInfo’s report included an image showing a scanner interface that will facilitate the sharing of various file types. The new feature, named Nearby Share, will function similarly to Apple’s AirDrop, with the iOS version using a QR code for file sharing and Android devices also utilizing proximity detection technology.
The introduction of offline file sharing is a significant step forward for WhatsApp, and especially helpful for users in areas with patchy internet access. Nearby Share will be particularly useful for transferring large files, such as high-resolution images, videos, and important documents.
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Eventually, the new feature is expected to be compatible with most operating systems, regardless of device type. Additionally, the transfers will be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the shared data, helping to maintain user privacy and security.
It’s important to note that Nearby Share is still in its early stages. As the development continues, the final product may see changes or improvements from the current beta version. It is also possible that the iOS version may eventually adopt functionality similar to the Android one, relying on proximity detection instead of QR code scanning.
News
Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
The e-commerce startup is aiming to tap into the Kingdom’s underdeveloped e-grocery sector with a tech-first, locally rooted strategy.
Rabbit, an Egyptian-born hyperlocal e-commerce startup, is expanding into the Saudi Arabian market, setting its sights on delivering 20 million items across major cities by 2026.
The company, founded in 2021, is already operational in the Kingdom, with its regional headquarters now open in Riyadh and an established network of strategically located fulfillment centers — commonly known as “dark stores” — across the capital.
The timing is strategic: Saudi Arabia’s online grocery transactions currently sit at 1.3%, notably behind the UAE (5.3%) and the United States (4.8%). With the Kingdom’s food and grocery market estimated at $60 billion, even a modest increase in online adoption could create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.
Rabbit also sees a clear alignment between its business goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost retail sector innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract foreign investment, and develop a robust digital economy.
The company’s e-commerce model is based on speed and efficiency. Delivery of anything from groceries and snacks to cosmetics and household staples is promised in 20 minutes or less, facilitated by a tightly optimized logistics system — a crucial component in a sector where profit margins and delivery expectations are razor-thin.
Despite the challenges, Rabbit has already found its stride in Egypt. In just over three years, the app has been used by 1.4 million customers to deliver more than 40 million items. Revenue has surged, growing more than eightfold in the past two years alone.
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CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Yousry commented: “We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our bleeding-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households, and delivering the best products – especially local favorites, in just 20 minutes”.
The company’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on aggressive discounting. Instead, Rabbit leans on operational efficiency, customer retention, and smart scaling. The approach is paying off, having already attracted major investment from the likes of Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital, alongside earlier investors such as Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Hub71.
Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
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