WhatsApp makes it easier than ever to connect with its latest voice message transcription feature.
The company announced the global rollout of this update, designed to make voice messages more accessible and convenient for users.
Voicemail transcriptions convert voicemails into text, allowing users to read them instead of listening to them. This feature is especially useful in noisy environments, when you're on the go, or when you receive a long voice note that you can't listen to at the moment.
People with hearing impairments will also benefit from this feature, as they will now be able to respond to voice messages without any problem.
The news comes after WhatsApp users encountered a green screen error.
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To get started with this new feature (once it's available), simply open the app and go to 'Settings' > 'Chats' > 'Voicemail Transcriptions'.
Then enable the feature and select your preferred transcription language. To transcribe a voice message, long-press the message and tap “transcribe”.
For those who are skeptical, WhatsApp emphasizes that privacy remains a top priority. Transcriptions are generated directly on the user's device, meaning messages remain end-to-end encrypted.
Even WhatsApp cannot read or listen to transcripts, ensuring that personal messages remain private.
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The feature is initially launching in a limited number of languages, but WhatsApp plans to expand its language support over the coming months. The rollout is global and will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp also hinted at further improvements to the transcription feature to make it even smoother and more intuitive. As the company builds on this experience, users can expect more seamless integration and expanded capabilities.
For now, voicemail transcriptions offer a promising solution to a common messaging challenge. But let's not forget that similar features are also offered natively by Google Pixel phones, as well as Samsung Galaxy phones and iPhones.
However, die-hard WhatsApp fans can finally use this feature, regardless of the phone brand they use.
