Key Highlights
- WhatsApp is currently testing a new voice message feature on iOS
- iPhone users will be able to read voice messages via automatic transcriptions
- Only iOS beta testers currently have access to the new WhatsApp feature
WhatsApp is testing a new feature on its iOS platform that transcribes voice messages into text, allowing users to read them instead of listening to them. This new feature is designed to make it easier for users to access voice messages in situations where they may not be able to listen to them, such as in noisy environments or during meetings. Currently, the feature is only available to beta testers on iOS.
WhatsApp regularly tests new features in its beta program, which can be accessed by downloading the TestFlight program from the App Store. This particular feature is available in the iOS 23.3.0.73 WhatsApp beta update, but not all beta testers might have access to it at this time. However, WABetaInfo, a website that tracks changes in WhatsApp beta versions, says that the feature will roll out to more testers in the coming weeks. Also Read | No More Switching Between Devices: WhatsApp Now Allows Account Use On Up To Four Phones
How Does The Feature Work?
The feature, called WhatsApp Voice Message Transcripts, works by transcribing the voice message and displaying the text in the message box itself. The user can also change the language of the transcript to English (India), UK, US, or Canada. The transcriptions are searchable within the app and are also end-to-end encrypted. The feature uses language packs and takes advantage of the latest APIs on iOS 16, which allows WhatsApp to process voice messages locally on the device.
If the feature is available, it will be enabled by default. However, users can turn it off by going to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts. It should be noted that the feature is only available in English, so voice messages in other languages will not be transcribed.
WhatsApp has always been a popular messaging app, and this new feature is likely to make it even more appealing to users who prefer to read rather than listen to voice messages. It remains to be seen when the feature will be rolled out to all iOS users, but it is clear that WhatsApp is working hard to improve the user experience on its platform.
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