WhatsApp is reportedly adding a new feature to its upcoming in-house translation tool that’s still in development, which allows it automatically detect languages in messages. This new addition was first discovered by WABetaInfo from the latest beta on Android (version 2.25.4.5).
Prior to this, the user must first manually select the language they want to translate when using WhatsApp’s translation feature. Now, it seems WhatsApp is looking to simplify the entire translation process by adding automatic language detection.
However, WhatsApp’s translation feature will require the user to download specific language packs. This is so that the translation process occurs locally on the user’s own device, thus preserving message privacy. Moreover, it will also allow messages to be translated offline.
WABetaInfo adds that the user can manage their downloaded language packs through the WhatsApp storage settings. Both the packs and automatic language detection model can be deleted and re-downloaded at any time, which promises flexibility and convenience for the user.
Like the built-in translation tool, it is unclear as to when this will roll out to the public. Seeing that it’s been in development for quite some time, it may take months or more before a finalised version is made available.
(Source: WABetaInfo)
Nurul Kamil contributed to this article.
