DUBAI: Have you ever received a WhatsApp message or channel update in a language you don’t understand, forcing you to rely on a translation tool?
This can also lead to important messages being overlooked. Fortunately, WhatsApp is working on an exciting new feature that will enable users to seamlessly translate chat messages and channel updates directly within the app.
The popular Meta-owned instant-messaging app’s new translating feature, which is set to be rolled out in a future update, is designed to enhance communication without violating user privacy.
According to WABetaInfo, translations via the new feature will occur directly on the user’s device, ensuring that no data is sent to third-party services or even WhatsApp’s own servers.
Since these translations will work offline, users can download a language pack in advance. Once downloaded, the translations will be processed locally on the device, so they can still be used even when an active Internet connection is not available.
It is important to note that through these refinements, WhatsApp has emphasised that translations generated using local language packs should be regarded as indicative rather than fully accurate.
Since the translation is performed offline using pre-downloaded data, occasional errors may occur.
Although this feature is under development and will be available in a future update, it is currently accessible for beta testers in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.26.9 update, which is available on the Google Play Store.
