WhatsApp is developing a new Android feature that will let users speak a message and send it as text instead of an audio recording.
The feature was spotted by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.37.8. It remains under development and is not yet available to beta testers.
Unlike conventional cloud-based speech recognition, WhatsApp plans to process the voice input locally using downloaded language packs, allowing the feature to work without an active internet connection.
How Voice-to-Text Will Work
WhatsApp plans to add a new dictation button directly inside the chat bar.
The first time users activate it, the app will display a brief introduction and ask them to select a language.
After setup, WhatsApp will enter listening mode and display “Listening…” in the chat bar. Users can then speak their message and tap the send button once the converted text is ready.
They will also be able to cancel the recording before sending it.
The feature is currently designed to work in individual chats, groups and channels.
Processing Happens on the Phone
WhatsApp will use the same locally downloaded language packs already available for voice message transcription.
The company previously expanded those transcription packs with support for languages including German, French, Italian, Japanese and additional English variants.
Because the processing takes place on the device, the audio does not need to be sent to an external server before being converted into text.
This also means users only need to download the relevant language pack once for the dictation feature to continue working offline.
Different From Voice Message Transcription
WhatsApp already allows users to convert received voice messages into text.
The new feature works in the opposite direction.
Instead of receiving an audio message and reading its transcription, users will speak their own message and send only the resulting text.
Recipients will not receive the original recording or hear the sender’s voice. WhatsApp also does not currently plan to label the message as having been created using voice dictation, meaning it should appear like any other text message.
Button Position Could Still Change
WhatsApp currently plans to place the dictation shortcut inside the chat bar.
However, the interface is still under development, so its final position may change before release.
WhatsApp has previously moved interface elements during testing before introducing them publicly.
No Release Date Yet
The feature is still experimental and has not been enabled for beta testers.
WhatsApp frequently tests features that are changed or abandoned before reaching a public release, so there is no guarantee that the current implementation will launch in its present form.
The company has also not announced a release date.
If development continues, the voice-to-text feature could appear for some Android users in a future WhatsApp update.
The post WhatsApp Is Working on Offline Voice-to-Text Dictation appeared first on ProPakistani.
