WhatsApp will soon allow you to instantly translate messages received into another language. This will greatly facilitate discussions across the world, while maintaining the confidentiality of the exchanges!
With globalization, exchanges extend beyond borders and can become more difficult to understand. Indeed, English, which is the international language, is only spoken by about 17% of the world’s population. Also, real-time translation systems have become essential. It is very pleasant to be able to chat with a friend, each speaking their native language, while understanding each other perfectly. We can already take advantage of this technology on certain videoconferencing platforms, such as Skype. WhatsApp is now preparing to benefit from it. Last week, we learned that the famous instant messaging service would soon allow the translation of calls thanks to Samsung’s Galaxy AI. But it doesn’t stop there! The specialized site WABetaInfo has recently discovered in the beta version 2.24.15.8 of the Android application an instant translation function within the discussions themselves. Practical!
WhatsApp Instant Translation: Locally Integrated Technology
With this new feature, it will soon be possible to activate automatic translation so that messages are instantly translated into the language of our choice as soon as they are received. To do this, WhatsApp relies on Google’s “Live Translate” technology. But the special feature is that the translations will be carried out directly on the device, without going through external servers. As a result, conversations remain private and end-to-end encrypted. For example, if a user receives a message on WhatsApp in Mandarin, they will be able to translate it in a fraction of a second into French without having to leave the messaging service and go through a third-party application.
To take advantage of this tool, you will simply need to download language packs to allow WhatsApp to perform translations in real time. Since it works directly on the device, it does not require an Internet connection, except for the basic download. Although the exact number of languages supported remains unknown, it is likely that we will be able to enjoy a wide range, given that Google Translate handles more than 110. Note that the function is still in development and is only available to a limited number of beta testers.