Recently WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging application, released a beta version that allows Android users to send documents that are in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint format.
Android users who are interested in trying out the feature need to be part of the WhatsApp beta testing program which they can sign up for by following the link to the tester program.
This current change which was first introduced for Version 2.16.25 comes after WhatsApp rolled out the document sharing feature last month to all its Android and iOS users. At the time, it only worked for PDF documents.
Though the restriction to PDF files took away a bit of the buzz from the update, it hasn’t stopped people from looking out for other file types being accommodated.
Documents are just the latest type of file that can be sent through WhatsApp which also accommodates audio and video clips as well as images.
Though WhatsApp hasn’t confirmed when it will be introducing the feature across other platforms (including those that were overlooked with the first documents update like Windows), the beta tests are a good indicator that it will likely be opened up to all users soon.
The IM platform has undergone a raft of changes over the past year which included the end of the subscription service, added security and an increase of its group member totals. All this indicates a faster activation of beta features. Hopefully, the same quick adoption will happen with WhatApp documents to as many of its users as possible.
When it is open to 1 billion users this will help position WhatsApp as a suitable substitute for other digital communication channels which include e-mail.
After all, the IM platform not only offers a sense of immediacy but it also benefits from the added security to communications enabled by its introduction of end to end encryption (E2EE).
In markets like Zimbabwe where WhatsApp dominates internet use the option to send PowerPoint, Word, and Excel files adds more value to the application as it will now likely be embraced as another convenient office tool.
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7 comments
Nigel wakunyora kuti you are ”by forth” pa screen shot iyo ah lol. You were by the street? Or at the terminus? I get shivers when people say by instead of at or in or beside or whichever other preposition. This is especially done in Zimbabwe by people who went to former group A schools. ”I was by Georges for my A Level”..Coming to your story (lol sorry for the rant)…the improvements are sure to bring much utility from the WhatsApp app
You left out the “why exactly r u” part instead of “where exactly a u”. Actually the issue of broken English is so rampant especially among many of us who do not use the language as the first language at home. Just observe how many people become so nervous whenever we have to speak to, let’s say a foreigner in English. Anyway WhatsApp is indeed becoming an all in one internet utility and who knows perhaps they’ll end up incorporating money transfer and online payment/purchasing services.
Lol I guess I should watch my propositions even “by” social media posts. It’s interesting how the grammar police’s all over this.
Whatsapp is now just simply amazing!!
and the street name has changed Simon V Muzenda
Boss, I’m using a Lumia 435 and it can send documents, WinPhone got the update too
@Cam cool stuff! Thanks for the update!