WhatsApp Enhances Media Sharing with New Document Scanning and Live Photo Features
WhatsApp is rolling out significant updates to its media sharing capabilities, introducing a built-in document scanner and adding support for Live Photos on both iOS and Android platforms. These new features aim to streamline how users share content, making the app a more versatile tool for both personal and professional communication.
Scan and Send Documents as PDFs
In a move to boost productivity, WhatsApp has integrated a document scanning function directly within the chat interface. This feature allows users to capture physical documents with their phone’s camera and instantly convert them into PDF files for easy sharing. The tool is designed to be intuitive, though somewhat hidden within the app’s options.
To use the scanner, users can open a chat and tap the attachment icon. From there, selecting the “Document” option will reveal a new choice to “Scan Document.” The app’s camera interface will then launch, automatically detecting the borders of the document and capturing the image. Users also have the option to capture the image manually. After the scan, the image can be adjusted, cropped, rotated, or enhanced with filters to ensure clarity. Once finalized, the document is sent as a clean, professional-looking PDF file.
Live Photos Now Supported Across Platforms
Enhancing the way users share personal moments, WhatsApp has also introduced support for Live Photos. This popular smartphone feature captures a few seconds of video and audio before and after a picture is taken, creating a dynamic, moving image. Previously, sharing these files often resulted in them being sent as static images.
With the latest update, Meta’s messaging service now ensures that Live Photos retain their motion and sound when shared between both iOS and Android devices. This cross-platform compatibility allows users to “capture life as it happens—complete, with sound and movement,” according to a statement from the company’s blog. The update is designed to help users share “richer moments with friends on any platform,” ensuring the full, original content is viewable by the recipient.
