Meta-owned messaging application WhatsApp has unveiled a new transcription feature aimed at providing users with a written record of voice messages received from friends or family. This functionality proves to be especially beneficial in loud settings where it may be impractical to hear a voice message. The transcripts are generated on the device, ensuring end-to-end encryption, and are not shared with WhatsApp.
Also Read: WhatsApp launches message drafts feature to save incomplete chats
WhatsApp gets voice message transcripts for hassle-free conversations https://t.co/UnZ9U2dW0j pic.twitter.com/JNFQT8Fsqk
— FoneArena Mobile (@FoneArena) November 22, 2024
Users can enable or disable the transcription feature and select their preferred language by navigating to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts. To transcribe a voice message, users simply need to long-press the message and select the “transcribe” option.
While the voice message transcription feature has been accessible to beta testers for several months, it is now set to be rolled out to all users globally in the coming weeks. Initially, it will support a limited number of languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian, with plans to expand language options in the future.
In addition, WhatsApp has recently launched a Message Drafts feature that allows users to start composing messages and save them for later. This functionality proves to be especially beneficial in loud settings where it may be impractical to hear a voice message.
Mark Zuckerberg announced voice message transcripts feature for WhatsApp!
Mark Zuckerberg just announced that a feature to transcribe voice messages is finally available!https://t.co/4ft73wfUmz pic.twitter.com/xTXpxwAlTi
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) November 21, 2024
These drafts will appear at the top of the chat list, providing users with a helpful reminder to complete and send their messages. Previously, while WhatsApp did retain some drafts, this feature was not consistently reliable, leading users to draft longer messages in external applications before transferring them to WhatsApp for sending.
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