WhatsApp will soon let you convert voice messages to text. The Meta-owned app is also testing in-app camera improvements and call scheduling.
- What’s happening? Meta is testing several new features for WhatsApp, including the ability to convert voice messages to text.
- Why care? People who prefer to read rather than listen to messages will be able to decrypt any voice message at the touch of a button.
- What to do? This and other new features will appear in a future app update. Keep your eyes peeled and keep an eye on this space as we will keep you updated.
WhatsApp is testing audio transcription
Voice messages have become especially popular among younger users. WhatsApp already provides a robust feature set for recording voice messages, and now the Meta-owned app is testing the ability to transcribe voice notes to text.
According to WABetaInfo, once the user selects their preferred language, WhatsApp will download the appropriate language pack to use for translation. Transcriptions are performed locally on the device without the use of servers, which ensures privacy since no one, not even WhatsApp or Apple, can access the transcriptions.
Hands-free video recording
WhatsApp’s video recording feature is also getting a much-needed change. A new test in the iOS app updates the camera interface for beta testers, making it easy to switch between taking photos and recording videos. Currently, you have to press and hold the shutter button to record a video with the in-app camera.
In the future, you’ll be able to switch between photo and video modes the same way you can switch modes in the Apple Camera app by swiping left or right. And when you start recording, you won’t need to hold down the shutter button.
This is not the only improvement to the WhatsApp recording interface. According to another WaBetaInfo post, it will finally be possible to switch from the front camera to the back camera and vice versa while shooting video.
Call planning
WhatsApp is also testing the ability to schedule calls within group conversations, which is currently available to beta testers. With this feature, you will be able to schedule calls in advance with one or more members of a group chat. For people who have this feature, tapping the phone icon in the title bar of their group chat will bring up a menu with two options: “Group Call”and “Schedule Call”.
WABetaInfo explains that you can name the scheduled call and, of course, set the date and time of the call. This should be especially helpful when planning a group event, as chat members will be able to easily schedule a call to discuss details and make sure everyone is available, WABetaInfo explains.
Latest new features in WhatsApp
WhatsApp recently started rolling out several improvements designed to get you to use the Status feature more often. These include voice statuses, status reactions, link previews, and more. WhatsApp has also launched the ability to send messages to itself within the app and is currently testing a Catalyst-based native app for macOS, which should soon replace its current Electron-based desktop app.