WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to transcribe voice messages into text. This update announced on Thursday, is designed for situations where users are unable to listen to voice messages, such as in noisy environments or while on the move. This feature mirrors a similar update made to Apple’s Messages app last year with the release of iOS 17, marking a competitive move in the messaging app space. Now, WhatsApp users can keep up with conversations without needing to play voice notes.
The transcripts are created locally on the user’s device, ensuring that the content remains private and is not accessed by WhatsApp or any third parties. This local processing adds an extra layer of security, as it prevents the company from storing or reading the transcriptions. By keeping the process on the user’s device, WhatsApp emphasizes privacy while enhancing the flexibility of communication.
To activate the transcription feature, users need to go into their settings, select the “Chats” section, and enable the “Voice message transcripts” option. They can then choose the language in which they’d like the transcripts to appear. Once the feature is turned on, users can transcribe individual voice messages by pressing and holding on to the message and selecting the “transcribe” option. Transcription does not happen automatically for every voice message; instead, users have control over when to use it.
The feature is being rolled out gradually, with language support varying depending on the operating system version. For iOS users with version 16 or later, languages like English, Spanish, French, and Japanese are supported. Those with iOS 17 will also have access to languages such as Swedish, Norwegian, and Hebrew. Android users will initially have access to transcripts in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian, with more languages planned for future updates.
WhatsApp’s new transcription feature is part of its ongoing effort to improve the user experience by offering more accessible communication options. By allowing users to read voice messages when listening is not feasible, WhatsApp enhances the app’s flexibility. As the feature expands to support additional languages, it is expected to become an even more valuable tool for users around the world, helping them stay connected in various circumstances.
