Audios have become the ideal and vital complement for many users of Whatsapp. However, there are others that abuse of this function with messages up to 5 minutes (or more). Following this inconvenience for the receiver, the platform is working on a new function that will allow this transcribe voice notes in its latest beta version for iOS.
As revealed by the site WABtainfowhich usually reveals what’s new in the messenger before its launch, the application began to develop it transcription service in September 2021. However, duties were halted at that time “for unknown reasons,” according to reports wabetainfo.
According to this medium, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Apple devices running iOS (v23.3.0.73) will once again have the transcription of voice messages if the user deems it necessary.
What’s coming to WhatsApp: native transcription of audio to text
This conversion which can be useful at times, for example, in a meeting or when we travel by public transport; It will always be done locally on the device by downloading the corresponding language pack. This means that the content of the voice note will never be shared with WhatsApp or Apple, keeping the data confidential.
Therefore, this new local feature of audio to text This will imply that you don’t have to download an external application to carry out the process, nor do you have contact with the content of the message.
If the service is unavailable, WhatsApp will let you know through an information screen explaining why a transcript may be unavailable, as can be seen through the screenshots WabetaInfo has shared.
The system can also crash. In this sense, the platform will inform him you won’t be able to make transcriptions when you don’t recognize the words in the voice memo, so we will have to speak clearly. You also won’t be able to run them when it’s configured in a language other than the one used in the voice note.
This new was developed for Android, according to this information. Also, with this latest update, the platform includes a solution for users who encountered a problem that prevented them from sending documents on iOS.
How the WhatsApp bot that transcribes audio works
Looking forward to the launch of this new feature, users can resort to Alfred the transcribera bot that takes care of writing the audio for when you are not able to listen to it.
The first thing will be to add the phone number +14156809230 to your contact list and save it as Alfred The Transcriber or whatever name suits you best.
To get this working, you’ll need to go to the conversation where you received the audio you want the bot to transcribe. The only limitation is that the file does not exceed 60 seconds in length.
Once Alfred The Transcriber appears in your mobile contact list, the following is more than easy to complete.
If a voicemail is shared for more than 1 minute, you’ll receive a message reminding you of this limit, as well as being aware of future bot updates, which may include extending that time.
The next time you receive a voice note, you will need to make a long touch on the message until the selection menu opens. Press the forward option and share it with Alfred The Transcriber.
Within seconds, it will replay the same message with the message transcript. Another message from the team behind this bot is also likely to appear suggesting that you make a voluntary donation. But it’s not mandatory and you can ignore it.
Alfred is compatible with Spanish, English, French and German messages and works quite well, even including punctuation in the transcription. The main advantage over similar apps is that, in this case, you don’t need to install anything additional on your mobile.
In all cases, the results depend on the pronunciation and speed of speech, because not everything can be understood perfectly. However, it can help anyone in need (like urgent interviews sent via audio) and understand an audio even better, in case the bot manages to transcribe it.
An important clarification is to always keep in mind that you are sharing a message with a bot and you never know who is behind it. And while your conversation is encrypted, you should be careful not to risk private or sensitive information.
Source: Clarin
Linda Price is a tech expert at News Rebeat. With a deep understanding of the latest developments in the world of technology and a passion for innovation, Linda provides insightful and informative coverage of the cutting-edge advancements shaping our world.