WhatsApp Adds In-App Message Translation for iOS and Android
▼ Summary
– WhatsApp has launched a new feature allowing users to manually translate messages in one-on-one chats, groups, and Channel updates.
– The translation process occurs on the user’s device, keeping messages end-to-end encrypted and private from WhatsApp.
– Android users have the additional option to enable automatic translation for entire chat threads.
– The feature is rolling out globally, with Android supporting six languages and iPhone supporting a wider selection of over a dozen languages.
– This update aims to overcome language barriers for its global user base, following a similar feature recently introduced by Apple.
Staying connected across the globe just became significantly easier for WhatsApp’s massive user base. The messaging platform, owned by Meta, has officially launched a new in-app message translation feature for both iOS and Android devices. This powerful tool is designed to break down language barriers, allowing seamless communication between users who speak different languages.
The functionality is straightforward to use. Whenever a user encounters a message in an unfamiliar language, they can simply long-press on the text and select the “Translate” option from the menu that appears. Users are then able to choose their desired source and target languages, and they can even download language packs for offline use. This translation capability is available across the platform, including one-on-one chats, group conversations, and Channel updates.
A notable advantage for Android users is the ability to enable automatic translation for entire chat threads. Once activated, this setting ensures that all future incoming messages within that specific conversation are instantly translated, streamlining the communication process. A key point of emphasis from WhatsApp is that all translations are processed directly on the user’s own device. This method preserves the app’s signature end-to-end encryption, meaning the company itself never has access to the content of the messages.
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp explained the reasoning behind the new feature, stating that with a community spanning over 180 countries, the goal is to foster closer connections. The company acknowledged that language differences can sometimes hinder clear expression and effective collaboration, making this translation tool a vital step toward more inclusive global dialogue. This development follows a similar feature introduced by Apple for its Messages app several months prior.
The rollout of message translation began recently and is available to users worldwide. However, the number of supported languages differs between the two mobile operating systems. Android users initially have access to six core languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. iPhone users, meanwhile, enjoy a much broader selection that includes Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. There is currently no public timeline for when this feature will be extended to the WhatsApp web client or its dedicated desktop applications for Windows and Mac.
(Source: TechCrunch)
