New Update: WhatsApp Beta for Android Introduces Voice Message Transcriptions, Similar to Google Pixel

Tech & AI | July 11, 2024, 5:44 p.m.

The latest WhatsApp beta for Android is introducing voice message transcription, a feature previously exclusive to Google Messages on Pixel phones, to all Android devices. The beta version, v2.24.15.5, is now including this feature in multiple languages. After updating to this beta build, users will receive a pop-up confirming the availability of voice message transcripts. To utilize this feature, users must download a language pack or voice message transcription. Currently supporting English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi, WhatsApp will analyze the audio before generating a transcript on the user's phone, ensuring privacy through encryption. This functionality mirrors Google Messages on Pixel phones, allowing users to receive message context without listening to audio. Although the feature is currently rolling out to a limited group of beta testers in select regions, it is a promising accessibility enhancement that may soon be widely available on WhatsApp.