WhatsApp is reportedly testing a voice-to-text feature for Android. This feature could give users another way to write messages without typing or sending a voice recording.
The upcoming tool was reportedly spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.37.8. According to WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp voice-to-text feature is still being. Has not yet been released to beta testers.
The WhatsApp voice-to-text feature is expected to add a microphone-style button to the chat bar. When users select this button, they will be able to speak their message while WhatsApp listens and shows a “Listening…” status.
Once the speech is converted into text, users will be able to read the message, make any needed changes, and then send it as a text message.
Unlike a voice note, the recipient will not receive an audio recording. Instead, the recipient will only see the text that the WhatsApp voice-to-text feature generated from the user’s speech. The feature is reportedly being designed to work in conversations, group chats and channels.
Offline Voice-to-Text Support
One of the notable aspects of the WhatsApp voice-to-text feature is its expected ability to work without an internet connection. WhatsApp may rely on language packs downloaded to the device to process spoken messages locally.
This approach could let users dictate messages even when they are offline, provided the necessary language pack has already been installed.
The technology would build on WhatsApp’s existing voice-message transcription system, which already supports on-device processing through downloaded language packs.
The feature remains experimental, and several details could change before a wider rollout. WhatsApp has not announced a release date, and the final position or appearance of the new button could also be different from what is currently being tested.
Now the voice-to-text option appears to be limited to Android development only, with no confirmation about when—or whether—it will be introduced to the wider user base.
