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WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature aimed at enhancing communication across language barriers in its latest beta version for Android devices. This innovative message translation capability enables users to automatically translate messages directly on their devices, maintaining WhatsApp’s commitment to privacy through end-to-end encryption. The translation process is designed to take place locally, ensuring that no messages are processed through WhatsApp’s servers. Users will be prompted to download specific language packs to utilize this functionality effectively.
Offline Translation with Language Packs
In beta version 2.25.12.25 of WhatsApp for Android, select users have started to see the new ‘Translate Messages’ option. This feature can be activated through a toggle located within the Chat lock settings for individual chats. Insights from WABetaInfo indicate that WhatsApp has been developing this feature since mid-2024, and it will be applicable to both personal chats and WhatsApp channels.
Once fully launched, users will need to activate the Translate messages toggle in the chat settings of a given conversation. Following activation, they will be able to choose from a selection of languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian. After selecting their preferred language, WhatsApp will download the corresponding language pack necessary for translation.
Notably, this translation feature operates offline, which means that all message translations are handled directly on the user’s device rather than through Meta’s infrastructure. This change not only speeds up the process but also further protects user privacy.
Users will have the flexibility to enable automatic translation for all their chats or opt to translate specific messages by selecting a Translate option. Initially, the feature will be turned off by default, with options available in the settings menu to manage language packs and disable the feature if desired.
This addition follows other recent enhancements to WhatsApp’s language features, such as the introduction of voice note transcription. Similar to the translation function, voice note transcription also necessitates a language pack and processes all audio transcriptions on the user’s device, reinforcing WhatsApp’s focus on user privacy and local processing capabilities.
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