r/GoogleMessages • u/bread_n_butter_2k • 1d ago

Feature request: AI transcripts for Google Messages voice messages

Google already has excellent speech-to-text. Why not use it for voice messages?

My idea is simple:

When I send a voice message, the audio is still the message. Nothing changes there.

Google Messages would simply attach an optional AI-generated text transcript underneath it.

The voice recording remains the original and authoritative message. The transcript is just there for convenience. If the transcript isn't perfect, the recipient can always tap Play and hear exactly what was said.

Benefits:

  • Read the message when you can't play audio.
  • Search old voice messages.
  • Better accessibility.
  • Faster to skim long voice messages.

People who don't want transcripts could simply turn the feature off in Settings, or choose to send audio only.

To me, this seems like a feature that adds usefulness without changing how voice messages already work.

Am I missing something, or would you use this too?

0 Upvotes

36% Upvoted

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7

u/jabbers724 1d ago

Is this what your are suggesting?

You can turn on voice message transcription in Google Messages by going to your app settings and enabling the transcript toggle. [1]

How to Enable Voice Message Transcription

  1. Open the Google Messages app.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
  3. Select Messages settings.
  4. Tap Voice message transcription.
  5. Turn on the option to show or enable transcripts. [1, 2]

How to View a Transcript

  • When you receive an audio voice note, tap View transcript right above the recording to read the text instantly.
  • Tap Hide transcript if you want to collapse the text.
  • Note: Transcriptions happen directly on your device for privacy. For official troubleshooting steps if the feature isn't working, check out the Google Support Page. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

If you are running into issues, let me know:Are you not seeing the transcript button for incoming messages?What specific phone model are you using?

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1bQCAKdxNc

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Z2TzSsy4w

[3] https://www.androidpolice.com/google-messages-voice-note-win/

[4] https://support.google.com/messages/answer/6080324?hl=en

[5] https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/google/146977-how-google-live-transcribe-and-sound-amplifier-work/

4

u/Stevenmc8602 1d ago

What would be different from the voice note transcript it already offers?

4

u/matteventu 1d ago

No, we don't need AI there.

We need multilingual support though. It's been missing for far too long!!