WhatsApp could use internal technology to support automatic translation feature
WhatsApp for Android was previously rumored to be developing a new real-time translation feature that could leverage Google’s live translation technology. Now, a new report suggests that while the feature is in the works, it will rely solely on the instant messaging platform’s internal technology. The feature was spotted again in the latest beta build, but it’s still not visible and those who signed up for the beta program can’t test it. There’s no word on when it might be available to users.
WhatsApp’s Reported Automatic Translation Feature May Not Use Google Technology
In his last updateWhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo claimed that the feature still relies on WhatsApp’s own technology and does not use any third-party technology to support it. This means that all processing for the feature happens on the device and the messages remain end-to-end encrypted.
The feature tracker also shared a new screenshot of the feature, which gives a better idea of how it could work. The screenshot was found in the latest WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.24.15.12. In the screenshot, the feature is titled “Translate your message.” WhatsApp also notes, “Your texts are end-to-end encrypted. No one, including WhatsApp, can read them.”
WhatsApp translation feature
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
Based on the screenshots, users first need to turn on a switch to translate all messages in a chat. Then, they need to choose the language to translate and the output language. After that, WhatsApp will ask the user to download a language pack. Once downloaded, all messages in the chat will be automatically translated. Each translated message will also have a ‘translated’ label at the bottom of the bubble.
The feature tracker claims that initial support will be limited to languages such as English, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Russian. However, it is likely that WhatsApp will add support for more languages in the future. The feature reportedly first appeared in the WhatsApp for Android app version 2.24. 15.8. Gadgets 360 officials were unable to verify the feature’s existence or how it works.
