WhatsApp Beta Unveils Transcription Feature for Voice Messages on Android
After its successful debut on iOS, WhatsApp is bringing its transcription feature to Android in its latest beta update (version 2.24.15.5). This highly anticipated feature allows users to convert voice messages into text, offering a convenient way to quickly get the gist of messages.
To access the feature, beta testers can update their WhatsApp application from the Google Play Store. Non-beta testers can join the waitlist by visiting the app’s beta program card in the Play Store.
Upon enabling the feature, users will be prompted to download a language pack for the transcription service. Currently, WhatsApp supports English, Hindi, Spanish, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese for transcription.
End-to-end encryption ensures that the transcriptions remain private and secure. Even WhatsApp cannot access the transcribed text.
The transcription feature automatically converts voice messages into text within the message bubble. However, users must play the message, even without sound, for transcription to occur.
WhatsApp plans to initially roll out the feature in regions where the supported languages are widely used. Additional languages are expected to be added in the future.
While an official timeline for the release of transcription for voice messages in WhatsApp’s stable Android app has not been provided, its beta testing status indicates that it could be available to all users soon.
