The messaging social network has been rolling out updates for several months to improve the quality of its services. Some of its recent updates include a payment system, commerce features, a product gallery, and now a new function to find nearby businesses based on location, specifically GPS. The new tool is still under development, but the company has already detailed its intended functionality. Currently, only Brazil is testing this update, so it is expected to reach more users soon, eventually globally. The idea is that, through search filters, users can find nearby establishments. The application will use location to locate these businesses, and users will also be able to contact them directly via WhatsApp. This system is expected to be used by restaurants, supermarkets, clothing stores, and other businesses.

I\'m excited we’re starting to pilot a local business directory within @WhatsApp. This will help you find and contact local businesses, like your neighborhood coffee shop, florist, clothing store and more.https://t.co/kNvUtn7FWR

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) September 15, 2021
Will Cathcart, the leader of the WhatsApp instant messaging network, indicated in a tweet that both location and businesses will be included within the application. The feature is expected to arrive on Android and iOS operating systems, however it is not yet known when beta testing will begin for the rest of the users.