Although voice message transcription has existed on iOS for a year, it has never seen the light of day on Android. A gap which should soon be filled if we are to believe the code discovered in a beta version.
Like many other instant messengers, WhatsApp allows you to send voice messages using the microphone button, which is very practical for telling a long story – and avoiding typing everything by hand – and conveying emotions. However, they may not always be very suitable. For example, the quality of the audio may be degraded and make the message incomprehensible, or the recipient may not be able to listen to them. Also, for almost a year, the WhatsApp mobile application on iOS has been able to transcribe voice messages, but not the one on Android. However, it seems that Meta is finally preparing to correct this injustice by introducing this function which converts spoken words into written text.
WhatsApp voice message transcription: how does it work?
As reported TheSpAndroid, this feature should be enabled for Android users soon. In the new beta version for Android smartphones, there are several lines of code indicating that it is necessary to download 150 MB of additional data to activate the transcription service. We do not yet know if this will be done through a new update or if it will be necessary to start the download by activating the option.
On iOS, theWhatsApp’s voice transcription feature converts voice messages into text. This function takes the form of a bubble under the voice notes, provided that the option is activated – you have to go to “Settings”, then “Discussions”, then “Voice message transcriptions”. Please note, the voice message must last less than two minutes. If it lasts longer, tap “Transcribe” in the voicemail message.
One of the main advantages of the WhatsApp transcription service is its security and the privacy protection it offers. This means that transcriptions are processed directly on the device, so that the content remains end-to-end encrypted and is not uploaded to WhatsApp’s servers or those of your smartphone manufacturer. This function is already found in Telegram, one of the most popular competitors of the Meta application – but it is reserved for Telegram Premium subscribers –, while Google Messages, the free SMS, MMS and RCS application, the offers for all its users.