WhatsApp is rolling out a new transcription feature making it easier and more convenient than ever to communicate via voice messaging. The feature is releasing globally to iOS and Android users “in the coming weeks”, and will automatically create a text version of voice clips under a given message during times in which users can’t listen to them.
This establishes a harmonious balance between the ups and downs of voice messaging, which is easier to record than typing out lengthy conversations but can be difficult to listen to, particularly in loud environments or while on the go. Now users get the best of both worlds, but only voice message recipients who have the feature enabled can view the transcripts.
The voice message transcripts are directly generated on the device for privacy and security, such that “no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your personal messages.” This feature will be disabled by default upon launch, and can be enabled by simply clicking on “Chats” within the WhatsApp settings, and then selecting “Voice message transcripts.”
Support for multiple languages will be there, but it will depend greatly on which OS you are using. WhatsApp says language support will be expanded in the coming months, however.