WhatsApp is introducing voice message transcription in its Android beta app, now available in WhatsApp Beta version 2.24.15.5. This feature, which converts voice messages into text, was previously released for iOS users last May.
As shown in the attached screenshot, some beta testers can activate transcription for both incoming and outgoing voice messages by downloading an additional data package to ensure user privacy. The transcriptions are processed on the device, ensuring that no one else can hear the voice messages or read the transcriptions.
This new feature is particularly useful for those who receive lengthy voice notes, allowing them to read transcriptions quickly instead of listening to the entire message. This makes understanding the content more efficient. Additionally, transcriptions can be used as a quick reference, making it easier to search and review the content of voice notes without replaying the audio.
Currently, WhatsApp’s voice message transcriptions support English, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, and Hindi, with more languages to be added soon. Users who opt for this feature will need to download an extra data package to ensure that all transcriptions are generated on the device.