WhatsApp adds more languages to voice transcriptions

Ever get a voice note in a meeting and wish you could just read it instead? WhatsApp is making that easier; the app just expanded the list of languages its transcription feature can handle, and you don't need an internet connection to use it.

This update, found in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.37.5, includes additional regional languages of English, German, French, Italian, and Japanese.

This comes after the inclusion of five languages, Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, and Russian, that already have support, so if you've been forced to listen to all your voice notes because your language didn’t have any support, then this update is for you.

WhatsApp doesn’t send voice notes anywhere to have them transcribed but rather downloads small language packages directly to your phone, which then does all the work. It’s actually the same approach WhatsApp used in the past when it came to translating text messages – the app simply reused existing architecture.

Once you go into the voice message’s menu, WhatsApp can automatically transcribe the message for you by displaying the text underneath the audio message player.

In case you have not yet downloaded the language pack you require, the application will inform you that you should download it first before being able to use the transcription feature.