WhatsApp is in the process of introducing three new features to its beta testers. One of the standout additions on iOS is the ability to lock specific chats for enhanced privacy. Furthermore, the messaging app is experimenting with a feature that allows Android users to share their Status directly with their Facebook friends. Additionally, a voice note transcription feature is being tested on iOS in recent beta versions. It is worth noting that the voice transcription function necessitates iOS 16 in order to operate correctly.
As reported by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, version 23.9.0.71 of WhatsApp beta for iOS introduces chat locking capabilities for beta testers. Once users enable this feature, they will only be able to access locked chats after authenticating via Face ID or Touch ID on older models. A new section labeled Locked Chats can be found within the chat information area. When a chat is locked, the names of senders and message previews are concealed, and media files such as images and videos will not be automatically saved to the device’s Photos app.
WhatsApp is also enhancing its integration with Facebook by allowing users to share their WhatsApp Status with Facebook friends more seamlessly, as seen in version 2.23.9.22 of WhatsApp beta for Android. Unlike before, when users had to leave the app to share their Status on Facebook, this new functionality allows for a simpler opt-in sharing process, which will be turned off by default, according to WABetaInfo.
Additionally, WhatsApp has recently begun rolling out a voice transcription feature on version 23.9.0.70 of its iOS beta. This new capability enables users to read the contents of voice notes without needing to use headphones or the phone’s speaker. This feature could prove beneficial in circumstances where reading rather than listening to a voice note is easier.
WABetaInfo has indicated that the voice transcription function operates on the device itself, ensuring that voice notes remain protected by end-to-end encryption—just like messages and other file types. To enable transcription in different languages, users will have access to downloadable language packs. Furthermore, the transcribed text from the voice notes will be indexed and searchable, as reported.
