WhatsApp is introducing a new transcription feature that makes communicating via voice messages easier (and more practical).
The feature will roll out globally to Android and iOS users "in the coming weeks," according to WhatsApp, and will automatically create a written version of voice clips below the message for times when you can't listen to them.
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This strikes a good balance between the pros and cons of voicemails, which are easier to record than typing out long conversations, but can be difficult to hear, especially on the go or in loud environments. Now you have the best of both worlds, but only voicemail recipients who have the feature can see the transcripts.
Voice message transcripts are created directly on the device so “no one else, not even WhatsApp, can listen to or read your private messages,” WhatsApp said in its announcement.
The feature will be disabled by default when it launches and can be enabled by clicking on “Chats” in WhatsApp settings and then “Voice message transcriptions.”.
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Language support will depend on the operating system you're using: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi will be available initially for Android users, while iOS will have a much wider selection in its support list. WhatsApp says that language support will expand in the coming months, however.
Source: theverge
