The chat app is testing a new feature. This is the voice message transcription feature. The experiment is running on iOS, but if you move forward, you can reach Android and Apple devices at the same time.
So far, WhatsApp does not include the ability to transcribe voice messages. What currently exists are third-party applications, available for iOS and Android, that perform this task.
Information about the new functionality appeared on the WaBetaInfo website, which published a screenshot, where the transcription of voice messages is seen in the iOS version of the application.
Authorization to share data
The same site also advances on how text transcription would work. According to this source, the WhatsApp application sends the voice message data directly to Apple’s voice functionality for the transcription to take place.
This process requires users to authorize data sharing with Apple. As soon as permission is granted, users receive a transcript of their voice messages in a section created for this purpose.
The WaBetaInfo website explains that when the voice message is first transcribed, it will be stored locally in the WhatsApp application database. Everything for users to have quick access to the transcript.
Simultaneously for iOS and Android
Although the screenshots show Apple’s operating system, the WhatsApp app has a tradition of simultaneously providing new features for Android and iOS users. Therefore, it is expected that if the new feature moves forward, it will be released at the same time for both operating systems.
There is no information yet on when the new feature will be available, but the WhatsApp app is expected to offer access to a beta version in the near future.