A new transcription feature that WhatsApp is rolling out will make voice communications easier and more convenient. WhatsApp claims that the functionality, which will automatically generate a text version of audio clips alongside the message for times when you can’t listen to them, will be available to Android and iOS users worldwide “in the coming weeks.”
On Thursday, WhatsApp launched a new feature designed to facilitate voice message sharing. Voice message transcripts are now available on iOS and Android, allowing users to view a text-based transcription of voice messages they have received from other people. It is said that the capability is useful in noisy environments or when traveling. This comes after WhatsApp recently unveiled a new widget for its iOS app’s home page and a drafts label for unread messages in chats.
The Voice Message Transcripts on WhatsApp In a blog post, WhatsApp stressed that voice message transcripts are generated on the device and that no one else may hear or read the content. The company stressed that the instant messaging network’s end-to-end encryption still protects voice messages. In other words, Voice messages are quicker to record than typing out long discussions, but they can be difficult to listen to, particularly while on the go or in noisy settings. This strikes a good compromise between the advantages and disadvantages of voice messages. You now have the best of both worlds, but the transcripts are only visible to voice message receivers who have activated the function.
Before using the functionality, it must be activated. When toggled, a transcript in the chosen language will automatically show up beneath the voice message. According to the business, the sender will not be able to view a transcript of the voicemail; only the recipient will.
According to WhatsApp’s statement, “no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your personal messages” because the voice message transcripts are created right on the device. Once it launches, the function will be turned off by default. To enable it, choose “Chats” in the WhatsApp settings, then “Voice message transcripts.”
The OS you’re using will determine which languages are supported. WhatsApp also claims that its iOS version supports multiple languages which are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Thai, Turkish, and Swedish, whereas its Android app only supports English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian at this time.
However, WhatsApp claims that in the upcoming months, language support will be increased.
To use or understand how to use this feature, follow the below guide:
Go to Settings > Chats in WhatsApp.
Choose your preferred language and turn voice message transcripts on or off.
After holding down a voice message, select Transcribe.
To view more of the transcription, tap the expand icon in the voicemail.
The transcript may not show up right away, according to WhatsApp. Unsupported voice message language, unrecognizable words, or background noise may be the cause of users encountering the “Transcript unavailable” error. Additionally, the business cautions that voice message transcripts may be erroneous.
Remember that when you first enable voice message transcripts and select your preferred transcript language, you will also need to select whether you want to wait for Wi-Fi or set up now to download the language.
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