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WhatsApp has unveiled new features for both Android and iPhone users, with one significant update beginning its gradual rollout – message translations. The feature will mean that when users receive a message in another language, they can simply long-press and tap "Translate". Select the language they wish to translate from or to, then download it for use in future translations. The messaging platform, which serves more than three billion users across over 180 countries, explained on its website: "We're always working to keep our users closely connected, no matter where they are in the world. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE "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." The new functionality will be available for one-to-one conversations, group chats, and channel updates alike. Android users will additionally have the option to activate automatic translation for an entire chat thread, ensuring all subsequent incoming messages in that conversation are translated automatically. The rollout, which commenced last month, initially supported a limited selection of languages before expanding further. Android users will have access to six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, the ECHO reports. Meanwhile, iPhone users will benefit from the feature in more than 19 languages. The messaging giant also launched six fresh features for users to enjoy. These include: - Live and Motion photos: Now you can share Live Photos (iOS) and Motion Photos (Android) - New chat themes with Meta AI: Now you can use the power of Meta AI to boost your creativity and make custom chat themes of your own. (Meta AI features may not be available to all users.) - New backgrounds with Meta AI: Now with AI, you can create unique backgrounds for your video calls to put you in your favourite surroundings or try something new - New sticker packs: WhatsApp has introduced new sticker packs to make your chats more expressive and fun - Easier group search: Group chat names sometimes get so creative that they can be hard to remember. Now, just search for someone you know that's in the group in your Chats tab, and it will display the groups you have in common. - Document scanning on Android: Now you can scan, crop, save and send documents directly from WhatsApp on Android devices (you can already do this on iPhone) WhatsApp allows users to send text, voice messages and video messages. Users can also make voice and video calls and share images, documents, user locations, and other content. The messaging app first launched in February 2009, and it became the world's most popular messaging app by 2015. More than 2bn users were using WhatsApp by February 2020. WhatsApp was acquired by Meta in 2014. Over the years, users have experienced many changes to the messaging app, including new features and changes to guidelines. Among the features added in recent years are the ability to transcribe voice messages and users being able to send text and photos to Meta AI to ask questions. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable , highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street . If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
