WhatsApp has introduced a new feature designed to make messaging easier for users who are driving, walking or engaged in other activities that make typing difficult.
The new tool allows users to speak their messages and send them as text without manually typing. The feature has reportedly appeared in a new beta version of WhatsApp for Android devices.
According to a report, the tool converts spoken words into written text, which can then be sent as a regular text message instead of an audio clip.
The feature is different from WhatsApp’s existing voice message transcription tool. While transcription converts received voice messages into text, the new feature changes a user’s spoken message into text before it is sent.
A new button will reportedly be added to the right side of the chat bar to access the tool. When users activate it for the first time, WhatsApp will display a brief introductory page and ask them to select a language.
After selecting the language, users will be able to switch to listening mode and dictate their messages. The feature is expected to work in both individual and group chats.
The tool will rely on the same local language packs used by WhatsApp for voice message transcription. It will also reportedly be available offline and protected by end-to-end encryption.
Since the feature is currently being tested in beta, it remains unclear when WhatsApp will make it available to all users.
When the feature is used for the first time, WhatsApp will display a brief introductory page and ask the user to select a language.
After that, users will be able to switch to listening mode and dictate their messages.
The report stated that the new feature will work in both one-on-one chats and group conversations.
The feature will rely on the same local language packs that WhatsApp uses to transcribe voice messages.
In fact, the new tool can also be used offline, while it will be protected by end-to-end encryption.
As mentioned above, the feature has currently appeared in the beta version, so it is difficult to say when it will be rolled out to all users.
