WhatsApp is launching a new transcription feature designed to make voice messaging more accessible and convenient.
Rolling out globally to Android and iOS users over the coming weeks, this feature will automatically generate a text version of voice messages, displayed beneath the audio clip.
This is particularly useful for situations where listening to voice messages isn’t practical, such as when you’re on the go or in a noisy environment.
The new feature strikes a perfect balance between the advantages and disadvantages of voice messages.
While voice messages are quicker and easier to record than typing long conversations, they can sometimes be inconvenient to listen to. With this update, users can enjoy the best of both worlds.
However, only recipients with the transcription feature enabled will be able to view the text versions of the voice messages.
For those who dislike listening to voice messages in chats, this is a game-changer.
WhatsApp ensures privacy with this feature, noting that voice message transcripts are generated directly on the device.
This means “no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your personal messages,” as stated in the company’s announcement.
The transcription feature will be turned off by default once it becomes available. Users can enable it by going through to WhatsApp settings, selecting “Chats,” and then choosing “Voice message transcripts.”
Initially, language support for Android devices will include English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi.
iOS users will have access to a broader range of supported languages, as detailed on WhatsApp’s support page. The platform plans to expand language availability further in the coming months.
