WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow users to translate messages using various language packs. This follows the recent addition of voice note transcription capabilities.
The aim is to enhance multilingual communication directly within the app, making it more appealing and user-friendly.
The new feature will enable instant translation of messages during chats, facilitating smoother communication across different languages.
This development is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and accessibility without the need for external translation tools.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp plans to introduce an option for users to automatically translate all chat messages in a future update.
This feature will operate locally on users’ devices, preserving end-to-end encryption and ensuring efficient message processing.
Initially, languages such as English, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, and Hindi will be supported, with more to be added later.
By processing translations on-device, the app aims to maintain strong security measures and data privacy.
This approach eliminates the need to send messages to external servers for translation, aligning with WhatsApp’s commitment to protecting user information.
Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a voice note transcription feature that converts voice notes into text, allowing users to read messages without playing them aloud.
Currently, this feature is in beta testing and will be rolled out more broadly after further refinement.
Beta testers will need to download an additional 150MB of data, and the feature will be automatically enabled for most users, while some may need to activate it manually depending on their settings.
In April, Apple withdrew WhatsApp from its App Store in China following directives from the government, which cited national security concerns.
Meta’s newer text-based social network, Threads, was also removed for similar reasons. Apple communicated this in a statement to Reuters, stating that the Cyberspace Administration of China mandated the removals.
