WhatsApp is reportedly testing an on-device live translation feature

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that will allow users to translate messages into other languages, according to claims made by a feature tracker. The live translation feature would work via on-device processing and could leverage Google’s live translation technology. It was reported in a beta version of the WhatsApp for Android app. The development comes after another feature was discovered in the WhatsApp beta that could offer live transcription for voice messages.

Live translation of messages on WhatsApp

According to to provide tracker WABetaInfo, the live message translation feature works on the device, meaning the data is stored locally instead of being sent to a cloud server. This allows users to translate messages on the instant messaging platform. The feature was announced in the WhatsApp for Android app version 2.24.15.8.

Live translation of WhatsApp messages
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

Users may need to download language packs to access this feature. It will initially be limited to English and Hindi, with support for more languages ​​expected in the future. The feature tracker speculates that translation could happen automatically in chats, meaning users may not have to leave the app to get a translation of text messages.

The feature tracker claims that the live transcription option is not available even for beta testers as it is still under development. So those using the latest version of WhatsApp for Android beta through the Google Play beta program may not have access to it. Gadgets 360 staff could not verify its availability on the WhatsApp for Android beta app.

Transcription of voice messages

In addition to live translation of messages, WhatsApp for Android is also said to be developing live transcription of voice messages. This could potentially allow users to generate transcriptions for voice messages they have sent or received. According to the claims, a new banner could appear below a voice transcription, asking the user if they want to receive a transcription of the voice message.

This feature was discovered in the WhatsApp for Android beta app version 2.24.15.5 and is reportedly available to beta testers of the app.