Key highlights

• Beta Availability: The translation feature is currently available to Android beta users with version 2.25.12.25.
• Language Support: It supports translation for Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, hindi, and Russian.
• On-Device Translation: Translations are performed on-device, eliminating the need for an active internet connection.
• Customizable Settings: Users can enable translation on a per-chat basis and choose specific languages for automatic translation.

How it effectively works

The new translation feature offers both automatic and manual translation options. Here’s a breakdown:

• Automatic Translation: Users can enable automatic translation in the chat info screen, selecting the desired language for each chat.
• manual Translation: Alternatively, users can manually translate messages by tapping “translate” in the message options.
• Language Pack: To facilitate on-device translation, users must download a language pack corresponding to the languages they wish to translate. A pack that automatically detects the language of incoming messages is also available.

Translation Accuracy and Feedback

While convenient, on-device translations may not be as accurate as cloud-based services. To address this,WhatsApp allows users to provide feedback to improve translation quality.

According to WABetaInfo, the translation feature is available to some users having beta version 2.25.12.25 of WhatsApp for Android, with the rollout expected to expand to more beta users over the coming weeks.

WhatsApp emphasizes that user feedback will be used to refine the translation algorithms without sharing the original and translated messages with Meta.

User Experience

WhatsApp encourages users with access to the beta version to share their experiences with the new translation feature.

The toggle to enable translation can be found in the chat info screen, where users can choose which language they want the messages to be automatically translated from. This can be done on a per-chat basis for private and group chats. And if users don’t want to translate messages automatically, they can do so manually by opening the message option and tapping “Translate.”

AI Integration and Future Developments

WhatsApp is also exploring AI-powered features to enhance user communication. These include tools to rephrase, rewrite, and proofread messages [[1]]. A new Pencil button may appear in the text box, offering users options to change the style and tone of their messages [[3]].

These AI features are currently under development and may soon be integrated into the WhatsApp experience [[2]].

FAQ

Is the translation feature available to all users?

No, it is indeed currently available to select Android beta users.

Which languages are supported?

Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, and Russian.

Does the translation require an internet connection?

No, the translation is done on-device.

How accurate is the translation?

While convenient, on-device translations may not be as accurate as cloud-based services.

How can I provide feedback on the translation?

WhatsApp allows users to provide feedback to improve translation quality without sharing the original and translated messages with Meta.