WhatsApp has enabled automatic audio transcription: how it works and who can try it

Whatsapp recently started rolling out one of the most anticipated features among iPhones: the automatic transcription of audio messagesand without having to download any alternative applications.

After passing the test phase in the beta version of WhatsApp, users with the small Apple device now have the option to read the content of an audio message no need to listen to it.

This function mainly solves those situations in which you receive voice messages that exceed one minute in duration at work, events or meetings.

To perform the automatic transcription, without leaving the app, you have to click on the received message and hold it down until the options appear, as if we were about to enter a reaction. Among the options you will have to select that of “Transcribe” so that WhatsApp converts audio to text immediately.

It will also be possible to leave this automatic transcription function for all audio arriving on the iPhone mobile phone. If it’s boring, it can be deactivated by following these steps: within WhatsApp you will have to access “Settings / Chats”, then the “Voice message transcripts” option and deactivate it so that it stops automatically transcribing all audios.

How the Android bot that transcribes WhatsApp audio works

While waiting for this new feature to arrive in the Android phone version, 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 pronunciation and speech speed, 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.