WhatsApp, the instant messaging application owned by Meta (Facebook), is going to introduce a search feature that will inform users about nearby local businesses.

According to the blog site’s image, the mobile application is introducing a new area to its app called ‘Businesses Nearby,’ that will search for businesses near the user’s location by filtering them using a new interface.

WABetaInfo reports, the new function has been introduced for a limited number of customers in Brazil and may soon be available to the general population. Users will be able to search for destinations such as hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and apparel stores on WhatsApp itself.

It will be compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. It’s unclear whether consumers will be able to order items and services from neighboring companies, but we should expect that in the future.

This option for searching local companies is now available in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is likely to be expanded to other locations as well. This will work when WhatsApp will convey information on nearby local businesses based on the users’ interests and details, previous searches, and chat history.

A new, redesigned page for business information has already been updated in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 2.21.170.12 update, and it appears that information about local companies will indeed be based on this format exclusively iOS contact cards inspired style.

WhatsApp beta for iOS and Android is also planning to bring the same updated Contact Info page in a future version. WhatsApp will have the same interface that was launched for Business Info, with the inclusion of a search shortcut on the Contact Info tab, according to the tracker.

Moreover, the Meta-owned company is also redesigning the contact info page. It will be available for both iOS and Android while a secret shortcut will be included in iOS. However, this shortcut won’t be available for Android.

“WhatsApp is working on a revamped Contact Info page! A redesign is planned for the Contact Info page on WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS, using the same interface from Business Info. In addition, a search shortcut is also planned on WhatsApp for iOS,” WABetaInfo shared in a tweet.

Besides, WhatsApp is also working on editing recipients features which means users can select different recipients while sending media.

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