WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature to translate messages using different language packs. This upcoming feature will let users communicate easily in different languages without using any external translation applications. This new feature will aim to translate messages instantly within seconds to ensure a smooth communication flow. This will help users understand and respond in real time.
This option is still in development but as per reports, WhatsApp is focused on enhancing this feature with new automatic translation options.
WhatsApp New Feature: How Will It Work
This upcoming update aims to include a translation option while preserving end-to-end encryption by processing messages on-device. Consequently, WhatsApp will need to download certain language packs to facilitate message translation.
Initially, once the feature is rolled out, only a select number of languages will be available for translation. Similar to voice note transcriptions, the supported languages will include English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi, with plans to expand to additional languages in future updates.
By developing an in-house translation solution, WhatsApp can ensure seamless integration within the app while maintaining a high level of security. This method allows for translations to be processed entirely on-device, protecting user data and privacy by avoiding the need to send messages to external servers for translation.
WhatsApp Transcribe Feature
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to convert voice notes into text, enabling them to read messages without having to listen to them. This feature is currently in testing with a select group of beta users in certain countries who have downloaded the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store.
According to WABetaInfo, users will need to download approximately 150MB of additional data to access this feature. It will be enabled by default, though some users might need to activate it manually. As shown in screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, once the transcription feature is enabled, users will receive a notification prompting them to "Read voice messages with transcripts," indicating that the transcription is available.
While the feature is currently in the testing phase and limited to a small number of beta users, WhatsApp plans to expand its availability to more users in the near future.