October 8, 2024
Transcriptions now available for voice messages in Google Chat
What’s changing
Earlier this year, we introduced the ability to send voice messages in Google Chat to help users save time, convey more information, and emphasize the most important information for the message receiver. To build upon this highly requested communication feature and increase accessibility in Chat, we’re excited to announce voice messages transcription.
Starting today, users will be able to see an automatic transcription of voice messages in Chat on web and mobile. This update enables content consumption in a user’s preferred format or the format that is most convenient at that particular moment.
Getting started
- Admins:
- This feature will be ON by default and can be disabled at the domain or OU level by disabling all attachments. Visit the Help Center to learn more about controlling file sharing in Chat.
- For purposes of Google Vault, Google Takeout, and Security Investigation Tool (SIT) moderation tools, voice messages and transcriptions are treated as attachments (like any other message in Chat).
- End users:
- You can send voice messages on mobile (to direct messages, group chats and spaces) and receive them on all platforms, including web.
- To review the voice messages transcription, click “View transcript” underneath the voice message. You can close the voice transcription by clicking “Hide transcript”.
- For screen reader users, voice transcripts are treated as readable texts. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Chat with a screen reader.
- Transcription will adhere to your Google Account's language settings.
- Visit the Help Center to learn more about sending a voice message in Google Chat.
Rollout pace
Android, iOS, and web:
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 8, 2024
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts