WhatsApp to bring document scanning feature to Android devices: Report

WhatsApp is in the process of rolling out a new document scanning feature for its Android users, a functionality that has already been available to iOS users for some time. This development was highlighted by feature tracker WABetaInfo, which noted that the update was discovered in version 2.25.18.29 of the WhatsApp beta for Android, although it remains inactive as it is still undergoing development. The innovative scanning tool is designed to streamline the process of sharing documents by allowing users to scan physical copies directly through their smartphone cameras, eliminating the need to switch to a different application. Once launched, the 'Scan Document' option will be conveniently located alongside the existing 'Browse documents' and 'Choose from gallery' options in the attachment menu. Tapping this feature will activate the device’s camera, providing users with the choice to capture pages either manually or automatically. After scanning, WhatsApp is expected to consolidate the captured pages into a PDF file, enabling users to send it to their contacts, save it for later, or forward it to themselves. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users who regularly share physical documents and are looking for a more integrated experience within the messaging app. In the meantime, Android users can utilize the document scanning feature available in the Google Drive app as a temporary solution until WhatsApp's native functionality is fully deployed. Additionally, the Meta-owned messaging platform is also experimenting with an AI-driven feature that summarizes chat messages. Users on beta version 2.25.18.18 or later may see a new 'Summarise with Meta AI' button in chats with numerous unread messages, offering quick insights into lengthy conversations using Meta’s AI technology. Both the document scanning and AI summarization features are expected to be released gradually, first to beta testers, before becoming accessible to all users in the stable version of WhatsApp for Android.