WhatsApp has announced a new feature that allows users to generate transcripts for voice messages. This new capability will be available in the coming weeks, making it easier for users to read the contents of long voice notes without needing to listen to them entirely.
To access the transcript feature, users need to enable it through their WhatsApp settings and select their preferred language. At present, supported languages include English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. Users can decide whether to transcribe a specific voice message or not, depending on their needs.
"Sending a voice message makes connecting with friends and family even more personal. There’s something special about hearing your loved one’s voice even when you’re far away. Though sometimes, you’re on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just can’t stop and listen," said WhatsApp in a recent blog post.
In terms of privacy, WhatsApp emphasized that the transcripts are generated directly on the user's device, ensuring that no one else—including WhatsApp—can hear or read personal messages.
WhatsApp also noted that not all transcriptions might be perfect. In cases where there is significant background noise or unclear speech, users might encounter a "Transcript unavailable" message.
This feature is currently being rolled out and is expected to be accessible to users worldwide in the coming weeks. Additionally, WhatsApp plans to support more languages in the near future.