Facebook has begun testing a new Messenger feature that allows users to read transcriptions of the voice messages they send and receive. It\u2019s ideal for keeping up with the conversation when you can\u2019t listen in, but it\u2019s only available to a small few for now.<\/p>\n
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Facebook first introduced voice clips to its Messenger app back in 2013, giving users a quick and simple way to share lengthy monologues \u2014 or just silly messages \u2014 with their friends and loved ones. But if you\u2019re in a quiet environment without headphones, you can\u2019t listen to them.<\/p>\n
To solve that problem, Facebook is giving Messenger the ability to transcribe the voice clips you send and receive, so that you can read them instead. The transcription happens automatically \u2014 unless you turn it off \u2014 and appears beneath the voice clip itself.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a Google Voice user, you\u2019re likely already familiar with this kind of feature. You\u2019ll also be familiar with its shortcomings, which can mean transcribed messages end up reading nothing like the original voice message. We\u2019ll have to wait and see whether Facebook can do better with its own software.<\/p>\n
Chances are, however, that you can\u2019t take advantage of the new feature just yet. \u201cOur plan is to test this feature at a tiny scale for now and we\u2019re looking forward to seeing what you think of it,\u201d explained the company\u2019s David Marcus in a Facebook post.<\/p>\n
If the test goes well, Facebook should make voice transcription available to more users over time.<\/p>\n