WhatsApp is testing a new voice-to-text feature for messages
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will let users dictate a message and send it as text on Android. Instead of sending the audio recording, users will be able to convert their voice into a text message. The feature works offline using a locally downloaded language pack, making it possible to dictate messages without an active Internet connection.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Voice-to-text dictation for messages |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out new chat themes on Android beta! |
WhatsApp rolled out new languages for voice transcriptions
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.37.5 update, we announced new language packs for voice message transcriptions. The update expanded the feature to more users around the world. In particular, WhatsApp added support for German, French, Italian, Japanese, and additional English variants. WhatsApp downloads these packs locally on the device. These make transcriptions work without an Internet connection and without sending any audio to external servers.
WhatsApp is now developing a voice-to-text feature for messages
Transcriptions let users read voice messages they receive. But now, WhatsApp is working on a new feature that takes the opposite approach. It will let users send messages as text by speaking instead of typing. We discovered this with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.37.8 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, WhatsApp is developing a voice-to-text feature that converts spoken words into a written message and sends it in the chat. It is closer to a dictation tool than a transcription one, and it works within the chat interface.
How the voice-to-text feature works
WhatsApp will place a new button right within the chat bar. This button will let users transcribe their voice message and send it as a text message. The first time users use this feature, WhatsApp will show a short intro screen to explain how it works. It will also prompt users to choose a language. Once they complete the setup, WhatsApp enters listening mode and displays "Listening..." in the chat bar. Users can speak their message, and when the transcription is ready, they tap the send button. Users will also be able to dismiss the recording at any time. This feature will be available in chats, groups, and channels.
Why a language pack is required
The feature relies on the same language packs used for voice message transcriptions. With language packs, WhatsApp can process the audio locally on the device. This means that WhatsApp does not share the recording with third parties before sending the message. This makes the feature compatible with end-to-end encryption, and ensures that the content of the message remains on the device until it is sent. Users only need to download the pack once, so the feature can work without an Internet connection. WhatsApp already does the same for transcriptions, and it applies here for the same privacy reasons.
Where WhatsApp placed the new button
At the moment, WhatsApp plans to place the new dictation button within the chat bar. However, this position may change before WhatsApp releases the feature. For example, WhatsApp moved the search button on iOS before its final release. Initially, WhatsApp placed the shortcut at the bottom of the screen. The final version introduces the button at the top, just below the navigation bar. For now, WhatsApp is placing the button in the chat bar, but the final design may look different.
How this differs from sending a voice message
With voice messages, users can send audio recordings that the recipient can listen to at any time. The voice-to-text feature does the opposite: it converts the speech into text before sending. This means that the recipient receives it as a text message. The recipient will never hear the user's voice. Instead, they will read the message like any other text in the conversation. WhatsApp will not even mark the message as converted from voice, so it looks like any other text message in the chat. This is useful for users who want to send a message quickly by speaking but prefer not to send an audio recording.
The voice-to-text feature may only be an experiment
WhatsApp often experiments with new features that never make it to a public release. Some experiments get refined and released, others are discarded before they ever get the chance to be released. Although it works similarly to the dictation available with Gboard, the voice-to-text feature is promising. However, only time will tell whether WhatsApp decides to release it.
WhatsApp is developing the voice-to-text feature for a future Android update
This feature is currently under development on Android. At the moment, the feature is not available because WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers yet. We expect WhatsApp to make it available to some users in a future update. WhatsApp has not announced a release date for this feature.
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