WhatsApp is in the process of developing a document scanning feature for Android devices, according to insights from a feature tracker. This functionality is already part of the iOS version of WhatsApp, allowing users to scan documents directly within the app and send them as media attachments to other users or themselves. Recently, WhatsApp also began testing a new AI feature that offers AI-generated message summaries for select beta testers on Android.
Development of Document Scanning for Android Continues
Following the introduction of document scanning in WhatsApp for iOS nearly six months ago, the popular messaging platform is now focusing on adapting this feature for Android smartphones. The feature tracker WABetaInfo identified the Scan Document option in the WhatsApp beta version 2.25.18.29 for Android. However, it is important to note that this feature remains under development and has not yet been activated in the beta channel.
Document scanning is yet to roll out on the beta channel
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
According to WABetaInfo, the upcoming Scan Document feature will be accessible under the options for Browse documents and Choose from gallery when selecting the Documents attachment in WhatsApp.
The feature is expected to activate the camera when users tap on the Scan document button. Users will have the option to take images themselves or allow the application to automatically capture them upon document detection.
Once all pages are scanned, WhatsApp will compile a PDF that can be sent to another user or saved to local storage for sharing with other applications.
AI summaries for messages utilize Private Computing
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
For users needing a document scanning solution before WhatsApp’s feature is available, the Google Drive app, typically preinstalled on most Android devices, can also perform document scans. Ultimately, the Scan Document feature is expected to be released to beta testers before becoming widely available on the stable version.
In addition to document scanning, some beta testers recently gained early access to a new AI-driven message summarization feature. Users who have installed WhatsApp beta version 2.25.18.18 or a more recent beta version may notice a Summarise with Meta AI button in chats containing a certain number of unread messages, based on tracking information.
This message summarization feature is designed to send requests to Meta’s Private Processing system to safeguard user privacy. Notably, if a user has enabled Advanced Chat Protection for specific conversations, AI-generated summary prompts will not appear for those chats.
