WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.8: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.7.8.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to transcribe voice notes, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.9.0.70 update, we announced a feature to allow users to transcribe voice notes. This feature was designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for users who prefer reading text over listening to voice notes, representing a significant step forward. While the feature to transcribe voice notes was initially introduced in the iOS app, it unfortunately remained unavailable for Android users during that time. This disparity resulted in Android users being unable to benefit from the convenience and accessibility provided by this feature. However, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.8 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to transcribe voice notes specifically for the Android app!

As you can see in the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring a new feature to allow users to transcribe voice notes, for a future update of the app. To transcribe a voice note, users will have to download 150MB of new app data to provide end-to-end encrypted transcriptions. In fact, WhatsApp will use the device's speech recognition to elaborate transcripts, ensuring that the transcription process occurs locally on the user's device to preserve end-to-end encryption and maintain user privacy. Once the supplementary package is downloaded, WhatsApp will integrate transcriptions into message bubbles, ensuring that users can easily read voice messages even in situations where they can't play audio.

The transcription feature uses advanced speech recognition technology to accurately convert voice messages into text, enabling users to comprehend and respond to messages without relying solely on audio playback. This feature not only enhances accessibility for users with hearing impairments but also caters to users in noisy environments or situations where listening to audio may not be feasible. In addition, users will have the convenience of transcribing voice messages when they receive lengthy voice notes, which they may not have the time or inclination to listen to in their entirety. By offering an alternative means of consuming and interacting with voice-based content, WhatsApp aims to improve overall communication efficiency and user experience on its platform.

The feature to transcribe voice notes is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. We will share an additional article once we have further details about this feature.

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