WhatsApp first started developing an in-house translation feature last year, that would essentially allow users to translate messages without leaving the app. A feature that would enable the translation of channel updates into different languages was also reported to be worked on by the company late last year. Now, WABetaInfo has stated that the ability to translate both messages and translations has been rolled out to some beta testers in the 2.25.12.25 Android update.
Certain beta testers can now apparently download language packs and translate messages directly from WhatsApp through the update in the Google Play Beta Program. The supported languages are said to include Spanish, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, and Russian. There is also a special language pack that can automatically detect the language of incoming messages.
This feature is shown to be accessed from the chat info screen, where the desired language can be specified to be automatically translated in each chat. With this, the translation settings can be varied in different chats based on user needs. Instead of automatic translation, individual messages can also be translated manually through the “Translate” button in the message options. According to WABetaInfo, translations are processed in-app, with message data not being shared to Meta or external servers. This feature reportedly shares the same technology as the voice message transcription ability on WhatsApp for Android.
The translations are stated to have the potential to be inaccurate, due to being generated locally with reliance on lightweight language packs. WhatsApp has enabled users to provide feedback on specific translations within its details screen, which might help Meta to improve on the quality of the translations. Participation is voluntary, and unless the user chooses to submit particular details, it is said that their data will not be shared with Meta. While users may be asked to provide additional information, WABetaInfo claims that their original and translated messages will not be shared with the company.
The translation feature can apparently be updated or disabled according to each user, and downloaded language packs can also be managed or deleted from the WhatsApp storage settings. The translation ability is not limited to private chats, it extends to both groups and channels as well. The functionality is turned off by default, and users have to manually turn it on, in the event it receives a public rollout. Additionally, more language packs are reportedly expected to be released in the future, with supported languages potentially expanding, thus making the translations accessible to a wider number of users.
The feature is now available to certain beta testers who have installed the latest update of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. While WABetaInfo alleges that it will be rolled out to more users over the upcoming weeks, it should be noted that some of WhatsApp’s beta features don’t become a permanent fixture. That being said, it’s unclear if this translation ability will be released to all users globally.
(Source: WABetaInfo)
Manisha Dharmendra contributed to this article.
