WhatsApp has introduced a way to send text messages without having to physically type them out.
The new feature is called Dictation, and lets you speak messages into your mobile’s microphone – then translates it into text.
It’s not always convenient to physically type out messages.
In fact, it can often be slower if you’re trying to tell someone a lot of information very quickly – which is why voice messages are now so popular.
But not everyone likes receiving voice messages, because it’s not always convenient to listen to them.
That’s why WhatsApp has now added a speech-to-text feature that will turn your spoken words into a text message.
How to use WhatsApp Dictaction
The Dictation feature was added in the latest WhatsApp update, and is available on both iPhone and Android.
First, go into the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and make sure you’ve got the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
Then follow these steps:
Open WhatsApp
Open a chat with the contact you want to speak to
Open up the chat keyboard, where you’d normally type messages
Look for a microphone icon (not the one next to the chat bar): on Android, it’s black and in the top right, and on iPhone it’s in the very bottom right of the screen
If you want a comma and question mark, simply say “comma” or “question mark” out loud.
It’s the same story for adding “full stop”.
Once you’ve finished your message, check it over and then hit send.
When you’re speaking into the microphone, remember to talk clearly and enunciate words – as turning speech into text is very tricky for apps.
It’s also best to dictate your message in a quiet place, to give your microphone the best chance of picking up your words.
You can always edit your dictated message before you send it anyway, to correct any typos that may appear.