WhatsApp has announced new features for both Android and iPhone users, with one major update now being rolled out gradually - message translations. The messaging app, which has more than three billion users in over 180 countries, said on its website: "We're always working to keep our users closely connected, no matter where they are in the world.
"But we understand that sometimes language can be a barrier to getting things done or expressing how you truly feel. That's why we're excited to bring message translations to WhatsApp, so you can more easily communicate across languages."
When you receive a message in a different language, you can now simply long-press and tap "Translate". Choose the language you want to translate from or to, then download it for future translations.
The new feature will be available for one-to-one chats, group conversations, and channel updates. Android users will also be able to enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread, meaning all future incoming messages in that conversation will be translated automatically.
The rollout, which started last month, initially offered a limited number of languages before expanding. Android users will be able to access six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, reports the Liverpool Echo.
iPhone users will now be able to utilise the feature in over 19 languages, as the messaging giant introduces six new features for its users to enjoy.
These include:
- Live and Motion photos: Users can now share Live Photos (iOS) and Motion Photos (Android).
- New chat themes with Meta AI: The power of Meta AI can now be harnessed to enhance creativity and create custom chat themes. (Meta AI features may not be available to all users).
- New backgrounds with Meta AI: With the help of AI, unique backgrounds can be created for video calls, allowing users to place themselves in their favourite settings or experiment with something new.
- New sticker packs: WhatsApp has rolled out new sticker packs to make chats more expressive and enjoyable.
- Easier group search: Group chat names can sometimes be so inventive that they're difficult to recall. Now, by simply searching for a known group member in the Chats tab, it will display the groups shared in common.
- Document scanning on Android: Android users can now scan, crop, save and send documents directly from WhatsApp (this feature is already available on iPhone).
WhatsApp enables users to send text, voice messages and video messages. It also allows for voice and video calls, and the sharing of images, documents, user locations, and other content.
WhatsApp, the messaging app, was first introduced in February 2009 and by 2015, it had become the most popular messaging app worldwide. By February 2020, the app boasted over 2 billion users.
The app was bought by Meta in 2014.
Throughout its existence, WhatsApp has undergone numerous changes, including the introduction of new features and alterations to its guidelines. Some of the more recent additions include the capability to transcribe voice messages and the option for users to send text and photos to Meta AI for queries.