WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets you see text versions of voice messages on Android phones. This feature, already available for iPhones since May, is part of the latest update for the WhatsApp beta app (version 2.24.15.5).
The screenshot below comes from none other than the team at WABetaInfo.
The transcription feature works in several languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi, with more on the way. To use it, you’ll need to download an extra language pack to keep your messages private and secure on your device.
It goes without saying that once the feature comes to Pakistan (there is no clear launch date yet) it may not work as well with voice messages in Urdu. However, since the app supports Hindi, the app may be able to transcribe some of your messages. But in most cases, English transcription will likely be more consistent.
Speaking of the launch date, even though WhatsApp has not announced anything yet, it should not be long before the feature arrives on the retail version of the messenger app since the beta version has it already.