WhatsApp has been consistent in adding new features to enhance the user experience and improve the overall user interface of the application. In the latest update, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform is working on a new feature that will allow users to translate messages into different languages. As per the reports, the feature is currently under the testing phase and is available with the WhatsApp beta for the Android 2.24.26.9 version.
The new feature will let users opt to enable the automatic translation for new messages or even translate select messages individually. With the new feature, the tech giant aims to break the language barrier and promote seamless communication with people who speak different languages.
The WaBetaInfo report also mentions that this translation process will be secure and end-to-end encrypted, ensuring data privacy. The translations will be completely processed on the device and will not be sent to third-party services or even on the WhatsApp servers.
“WhatsApp has designed the translation process to occur entirely on the user’s device, without sending any data to third-party services or even their own servers. This ensures that the feature still adheres to the commitment to maintaining end-to-end encryption,” the report added.
Interestingly, the translations will be available offline as well, as the users will be able to download the language pack in advance for the user without an active internet connection. It is worth noting that the feature is still under development and the tech giant has stated that the local languages may not be fully accurate as the translations are processed offline.
WhatsApp has not announced any timeline of the feature rollout but we expect that it will come out for the public in the coming weeks. “A feature to translate chat messages and channel updates is under development and it will be available in a future update,” the report stated.