The messaging platform WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has launched a new feature that enables users to convert voice messages into text, which is particularly useful in circumstances where listening to the messages is not feasible.
This feature has been under testing for several months and will soon be accessible to all WhatsApp users globally in the upcoming weeks.
When activated, the newly introduced voice message transcription feature will produce a written version of received voice messages, allowing users to read instead of listen. These messages are transcribed directly on users’ devices without the need for an internet connection.
This operation requires downloading an additional data package but maintains privacy as the transcriptions are processed locally on the device rather than on external servers.
The creation of transcripts occurs directly on the user’s device, safeguarded by end-to-end encryption. To utilise the feature, users must long-press a voice message and select the “transcribe” option. They also have the ability to enable or disable the transcription feature and select their preferred language by going to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts.
At the start, the transcription will support several languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. WhatsApp has indicated plans to broaden the number of supported languages in future updates.
Mark Zuckerberg confirmed this feature through his official channel.
Alongside the voice message transcription, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called “Message Drafts.” This allows users to write messages and save them for future use. The drafts will be displayed at the top of the chat list, ensuring users are prompted to complete and send their messages.
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