Meta appears to be working on a translation feature for WhatsApp. WABetainfo discovered this in a beta version of Whatsapp, Whatsapp Beta for Android 2.24.15.8.
This new translation feature is available via a new menu item for each message when you long-press on a message. This “Translate” feature is located above the already familiar “Copy” menu item. This eliminates the need for WhatsApp users to use other translation apps to translate WhatsApp messages.
How does translation work?
According to WABetainfo, Whatsapp uses Google’s direct translation technology, and Whatsapp explicitly speaks of “live translation,” meaning real-time translation. This translates directly on the user’s device. This should ensure the protection of the user’s data and privacy because their messages do not leave the smartphone for the translation process and are not sent to translation servers.
Since translation happens in real time right inside the WhatsApp app, real-time communication across language boundaries should be possible. Without interruption and without delay.
However, Whatsapp user must download language packs to be able to use real-time translation. These language packs are required for offline translation.
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Who can use the new functionality?
When the new translation feature is launched, it will likely be limited to specific languages like English and Hindi. Other languages are sure to follow.
You can't try the new translation feature at the moment, and WABetainfo expects Whatsapp to make it available for testing in an upcoming update.
WABetainfo recently discovered that Whatsapp has been developing a transcription feature for its messaging app. This allows voice messages to be converted into written text. Read more about this in Whatsapp is getting an incredibly useful voice messaging feature.
