Close on the heels of leaks that WhatsApp would be benefitting from the recall and edit features soon, comes a leak which suggests that the popular messaging app will also get Live Location sharing support
The source of the information is once again WABetaInfo, which has shared on Twitter that WhatsApp shall begin supporting Live Location sharing. The information has been garnered by the beta build of WhatsApp for Android.
WABetaInfo shared some screenshots and revealed that this feature shall be available for iOS users of WhatsApp in version 2.17.3.28 version and for Android version 2.16.399.
2.17.3.28 iOS | 2.16.399+ Android: Live Location feature, that tracks the live location of other group participants (DISABLED BY DEFAULT). pic.twitter.com/pYEXT1nxyR
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) January 26, 2017
Live Location Sharing Feature
The new feature Live Location sharing — as the name suggests — will apparently enable users engaged in a group chat to broadcast their location live to other members who are a part of the conversation.
This feature, however, will be disabled by default as suggested by the leaked screenshot. However, it is expected that an alternate method to activate the functionality will be made available.
Like in case of iMessage, iOS users had this feature baked in for years but not in the exact way. In iMessage users have the option to request and then begin sharing the location with another iMessage user. The location information that is shared using iMessage is temporary but it can also last indefinitely.
Since WhatsApp is used on a global scale, this feature shall assist many users who have been looking forward to such add ons. With this WhatsApp feature, friends and other contacts can conveniently share their location information and details directly, which could help in fixing meetings.
Advantages Of Live Location Sharing
The user will likely have the discretion to share the information only when and with whom they desire. The app will supposedly enable the users to track the distance and the route that is being taken by their contact in real time.
Under the "Show my friends" in WhatsApp, users of the messaging app will reportedly be able to share the location details with their contacts once the feature is live. This will let one locate their friend with ease. On clicking the option, the user will also be able espy the limited time option. This basically means that the user will have the ability to set the time period for enabling this feature, which could be one minute, two minutes, five minutes or indefinite.
The leaked screenshots has generated mixed reactions from WhatsApp users. While some people are excited enquire about "How to enable?," others are curious whether the version 2.17.39 for Android will be equipped with the Live Location sharing functionality.
Photo: Sam Azgor | Flickr
