WhatsApp beta tests new ETA and will soon allow sending files up to 2GB in size

WhatsApp icon smarpthone
(Image credit: Pixabay/Webster2703)

WhatsApp has been testing many new features over the past few weeks including creating polls in groups. The Meta-owned instant messaging app is now testing a feature that shows the estimated time for completion of sending or downloading files while also allowing users to send files that are almost 2GB in size. The feature is being tested on Android, iOS and Desktop apps.

Currently, users are able to track the file upload and download progress through a circular green bar. However, in the newest feature, you will be able to see the percentage as well as an estimated time remaining. Although the feature has already made its way to the WhatsApp desktop app, it is now rolling out to the beta version of the iOS and Android apps.

WhatsApp file sharing

(Image credit: WABetaInfo)

The more exciting update is WhatsApp testing a feature of sending files up to 2GB. The feature is available only in Argentina at the moment but is expected to roll out to other countries in the future. The stable version of the app allows users to send files up to 100MB which is minuscule in comparison to Telegram which placed a limit of 2GB since July 2020. 

WhatsApp file sharing

(Image credit: WABetaInfo)

The features are currently being tested on WhatsApp beta versions 2.22.8.11 on Android, 22.8.0.74 on iOS and 2.2209.3 for the desktop app. 

 Better late than never 

 

Many of the features that WhatsApp is testing are a relief to many users who find it difficult to send media files to their loved ones. While most smartphones record videos in high-quality resolutions, it becomes difficult to share the same files over any instant messaging app.

Telegram has been at the forefront of allowing users to send multiple video files of up to 1.5GB since it was launched. And apart from the privacy features that the app offered, the file-sharing limits were the only reasons why many used the app as a secondary messaging app on their device.

It's a good sign that WhatsApp is adding a lot of features to make the app more versatile. But many of these features like the file-sharing limit were due on the app these past years. It is unclear why the company delayed the feature. But like they say, it's better late than never.

TOPICS
Sachin George

A Malayali-Mumbaikar, Sachin found an interest in all things tech while working in the BPO industry, often spending hours in tech blogs. He is a hardcore foodie and loves going on long bike rides. Gaming and watching TV shows are also some of his other hobbies

Read more
WhatsApp China VPN
WhatsApp's new new music status updates take me back to my MySpace and MSN Messenger days
A smartphone on a sofa showing the WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal apps
Forget AI – WhatsApp is planning a simple messages feature that could be its most useful upgrade in years
Google Messages update
Google Messages could soon follow WhatsApp with an upgrade that makes it much easier to join group chats
A phone displaying the Google Messages logo
Google Messages could finally be getting this WhatsApp-style group chat feature
WhatsApp
WhatsApp looks set to get an AI makeover soon – here's what could be coming
The bottom left corner of an Android phone, showing the Phone, Messages, Google icons and Google Search bar
Google Messages will soon get a big upgrade for photo and video quality – and I’m going to use this a lot
Latest in Email & Messaging
Gmail at 20
No joke, Gmail is 20 and we're probably better for it
Google introduced Gmail to the public on April 1, 2004, leading many to believe it was an April Fools' Day prank
Google's next AI update for Gmail could let you ask it to write emails with your voice
A laptop screen on an orange background showing the Gmail logo and an inbox
Final warning: it’s your last chance to save your old Gmail account from deletion
A phone showing WhatsApp video calling on a pink background
WhatsApp video calls get handy screen-sharing feature – here's how to use it
Gmail
Watch out Google users – your account could get deleted if it’s not used
Google Chat messaging friends
Google wants to make its Chat app a lot more personal by copying WhatsApp
Latest in News
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #385)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #651)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
L-mount alliance
Sirui joins L-Mount Alliance to deliver its superb budget lenses for Leica, DJI, Sigma and Panasonic cameras