WhatsApp has introduced a new feature specifically for iOS users, breaking away from its usual practice of launching features simultaneously for both Android and iOS users. While WhatsApp typically caters to both platforms with its feature releases, this time around, they have rolled out a unique feature exclusively for iOS users first, with plans to later extend it to Android users.
The announcement about this new feature was made via WhatsApp’s TestFlight Beta Program. The new feature, named Voice Message Transcription and tagged as version 2.23.9.70, is currently available only to beta testers and offers a unique functionality.
Voice Message Transcription (VMT)
Voice Message Transcription is an innovative feature that converts voice messages into text, enabling users to read messages rather than listen to them. This feature proves to be handy when users are unable to play audio messages due to various reasons like being in a noisy environment or busy with other tasks.
The introduction of Voice Message Transcription marks a significant leap forward in improving communication accessibility under different circumstances.
Currently, the feature is exclusively available to beta testers on iOS through the TestFlight App. WhatsApp plans to gradually expand the availability of this feature to more testers in the near future.
How Does Voice Message Transcription Function?
WhatsApp includes an option to activate this feature. Once activated, users will notice a textual representation below voice messages, aiding in comprehension of message content.
Upon updating, this feature will be enabled by default, with the provision to disable it if desired by navigating to WhatsApp Settings> Chat>Voice Message Transcript.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that this feature maintains end-to-end encryption as the transcription process occurs locally on the user’s device. Furthermore, the feature utilizes the language packs existing on the user’s device.
However, this exclusive transcription feature will not be universally accessible on all iOS devices due to its dependency on the latest APIs introduced in iOS 16, enabling local processing of voice transcriptions.
Search Capability
The new transcription feature offers users the ability to search for specific content within transcribed voice messages. The device automatically indexes transcribed voice content to facilitate efficient search functionality.
In scenarios where users have numerous voice messages and need to locate specific content, the search option simplifies the process of finding desired information within voice notes.
Users simply need to enter relevant keywords they are looking for in the search bar within the voice note.
The transcription feature highlights the specific text within the voice message containing the desired keyword, saving users time by eliminating the need to listen to all audio files to locate a specific message.
Image Source: Ink Drop / Shutterstock
