O WhatsApp is improving its mobile app at a rapid pace. There are many features waiting to be released and that are slowly being included. A new one is now being seen that will allow overcoming language barriers in conversations, both private and in groups. For now it is on Android, but will be open to everyone.
We've known for a while that WhatsApp is developing a message translation feature. Now, it seems that this feature is progressing enough to be seen in a stable version very soon. In the latest beta version for Android, message translations in chats and channels are already starting to be implemented.
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When this feature becomes available, users will be prompted to choose from a selection of supported languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi or Russian. Once selected, the app will download the corresponding pack. Users will also have the option to download a special language pack, which will essentially automatically detect the language of the conversation and translate it directly.
There are different translation settings available, depending on what is considered appropriate and the conversation being had. Users can choose to enable automatic or manual translation. With automatic translation, as messages are sent in another language, the app will translate. With manual translation, you will need to select the specific message and select the translation option.
These translations are processed on-device and powered by the same in-house solution used by Android’s voicemail transcription tool. This ensures that the translation is performed on-device while preserving end-to-end encryption. Please note that since translations are performed locally rather than in the cloud, some translations may not be completely accurate.
Users will be able to provide feedback on the various translations so that the app can improve them over time. Users can enable or disable these translation preferences at any time from the chat info screen. Downloaded language packs can also be managed and deleted in WhatsApp’s storage settings.
The translation feature is not limited to private conversations but also extends to groups and channels. This is another step towards bringing this translation functionality to the stable version of the app soon.
