Well, WhatsApp has been getting busy recently. In the upcoming update, the WhatsApp team is reportedly working on a new translation message function. Currently under development, here's everything we know about the progress.
According to WABetaInfo, the new translation technology will allow WhatsApp users to translate foreign words without leaving the app. Some users have reported seeing the new translate option in the chat info screen, but only on the Google Play Store. Also, only a couple of languages are supported, such as Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi and Russian.
These languages can be downloaded as packs, and once done, WhatsApp can automatically translate any of the languages directly in the app. Alternatively, users can access the translation feature from the chat info screen and pick which language to translate, or open the message options and then "Translate".
On top of that, the source reported that this feature preserves end-to-end encryption and protects user privacy, so all translations are processed locally on the device and not shared with Meta or any external servers. The language packs may not be as accurate, so users can provide feedback to improve the feature further. Downloaded language packs can be managed and deleted from the storage settings in WhatsApp as well.
No word about the translation feature for WhatsApp users on iOS, but we think it should follow suit after it officially launches on Android. We can also expect other language packs such as Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and others.
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