7 billion audio messages are sent every day on WhatsApp. Users of the most used messaging application in the world are divided into those who use voice notes and others who are simply bored listening to endless recordings from their friends. The company led by Mark Zuckerberg has incorporated a new function – expected by many – that will allow messages to be transcribed in its application to iPhone devices y Android.
As announced by the company, transcriptions will be officially implemented worldwide in the coming weeks. In this way, the WhatsApp function will be available in Spanish, English, Portuguese and even Russian. “We plan to add more in the coming months,” the courier company advances in a statement.
How to activate voice message transcriptions?
To use the tool when it is available, you need to activate the function that will be disabled by default:
- On WhatsApp, open Settings.
- Toca Chats.
- Activate the function Voicemail transcripts.
- When you turn on transcriptions, select the language.
In order to view the audio transcriptions it is necessary:
- Press and hold a voice message, then tap Transcribe.
- Touch the ˅ icon in the voice message to show more of the transcript.
- WhatsApp warns that the transcription of voice messages may take a few seconds to appear
Source: El País (Argentina)
**How might the introduction of voice message transcriptions impact the use of traditional written text messages on WhatsApp, and could this lead to a shift in communication styles among users?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: WhatsApp Voice Message Transcripts – A Game Changer?
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News! We’re tackling the latest announcement from WhatsApp: the introduction of voice message transcriptions for both iOS and Android users. To help us unpack the implications of this news, we have two distinguished guests.
First, we have Dr. Fatima Khan, a renowned sociologist specializing in digital communication trends. And joining her is Mr. Andrew Lee, a tech entrepreneur and founder of a voice-to-text software company.
Welcome to both of you!
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me.
**Mr. Lee:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**(Host smiles and gestures towards the guests)**
**Host:** Realistic speaking, seven billion voice messages being sent daily on WhatsApp is a staggering number! Dr. Khan, from a sociological perspective, why do you think voice messages have become so ubiquitous?
**Dr. Khan:** ( Nods thoughtfully) It’s fascinating, isn’t it? I believe it boils down to several factors. Firstly, voice messages offer a sense of immediacy and intimacy that text messages sometimes lack. You can convey tone and emotion much better through your voice. Secondly, in our increasingly busy lives, voice notes allow for multitasking – you can listen while cooking or commuting.
for many, especially younger generations who grew up with voice assistants and smart devices, voice interaction feels more natural and intuitive than typing.
**Host:** Interesting point about multi-tasking! And Mr. Lee, from your tech perspective, how challenging is the task of accurately transcribing audio from diverse voices, accents, and even background noise?
**Mr. Lee:** Absolutely – it’s a significant technical hurdle. Voice recognition technology has come a long way, but achieving high accuracy across a spectrum of voices and environments remains challenging. Factors like background noise, different accents, and even emotional tone can impact the transcription’s quality. WhatsApp likely employs sophisticated machine learning models and algorithms to address these challenges.
**(Host turns to Dr. Khan)**
**Host:** Dr. Khan, do you foresee this feature changing the way people communicate on WhatsApp?
**Dr. Khan:** I think it’s very likely. For those who dislike listening to long voice notes, transcriptions provide accessibility and convenience. Imagine being able to quickly scan the content of a voice message without having to listen to it in its entirety.
However, there are potential downsides too – some argue it could lead to a loss of the emotional nuance conveyed through tone of voice.
**(Host gestures towards Mr. Lee)**
**Host:** Mr. Lee, how might this new feature impact the landscape for voice-to-text software in general?
**Mr. Lee:** I believe WhatsApp’s move will certainly accelerate the adoption of voice-to-text technology across various platforms. It validates the technology’s practical value and will encourage further investment in developing more accurate and user-friendly solutions.
**(Host addresses both guests)**
**Host:** Lastly, looking forward, what other potential applications do you see for this technology beyond instant messaging?
**(Pause for guests to respond)**
**Dr. Khan:** ( Smiles) Well, I can imagine it being incredibly useful in fields like education, healthcare, and even legal proceedings, where accurate transcriptions of audio recordings are crucial.
**Mr. Lee:** I agree. Imagine real-time transcription for lectures, doctor-patient consultations, or even legal depositions. The possibilities are truly endless.
**Host:** This has been a fascinating discussion! Thank you both for sharing your insights on this exciting development.
To our viewers, stay tuned for more coverage on this topic and other breaking news from around the world here on World Today News.
