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The popular messaging app WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will convert audio messages into text. This means that users who do not want to listen to audio messages can simply have the content of such messages displayed as normal text - i.e. audio transcription for WhatsApp.
Like WABetaInfo reported, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone introduces a transcription feature for audio messages. With this feature, the app recognizes what was said in the message and converts the audio content into text. Of course, since this is an early beta version, there are some limitations. For example, transcripts will not be available if no words are recognized or if the voice message is in a language other than the language set for transcripts. Furthermore, all transcripts are processed on the device and not uploaded to WhatsApp or Apple's servers, which is a huge advantage in terms of privacy. So far, only the beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone has the transcription feature. It is unclear when it will be available for the Android app.
More about WhatsApp: New functions for status and other features
Telegram, one of WhatsApp's main competitors, already offers audio and video transcription. However, in this case, the feature is only available for Telegram Premium subscribers. On WhatsApp, the feature will be free for everyone. A few days ago, WhatsApp announced several new features for its app. These include status reactions, voice statuses, and a link preview in status. The company is also working on a new option that will allow users to send messages to themselves. In addition, WhatsApp continues to work on a new version of its macOS app, which has been completely redesigned with Catalyst technology. However, it is not known when the new macOS app or the audio transcription feature will be available to all users. (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)
