WeChat Android 8.0.18 beta version update: Added iOS-like practical features such as write-while-translate, and the ability to manually turn off live streaming push notifications

After nearly two months, WeChat finally released the 8.0.18 (2040) beta version, which brought several minor updates, but the size of the installation package reached a new high of 234MB compared to the previous version's 223.4MB.

Major Updates

1. Added the function of writing and translating

The translation-while-writing feature has been available since WeChat 8.0.10 for iOS, and the Android version has finally updated this feature. Currently, it supports simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean and other languages.

The method of turning on "translate while writing" is the same as on iOS. Send an English phrase or sentence three times to any WeChat friend, for example, repeat "ITHome" three times. Then WeChat will prompt: long press the input box to turn on "translate while writing", just click it.

2. Search function upgrade

In the latest version of the WeChat search page, the original "microphone" button in the search box has been replaced by a "camera" button. Click it to enter the photo-taking interface. Users can use this function to identify photos taken on site in real time. It supports the recognition of portraits and products, and if you search for portraits, it will also provide some dynamic emoticons.

In addition, WeChat can also search for similar pictures and products in SouYisou at the same time.

It’s worth mentioning that the original voice input function is still there. You only need to click on the search box to find it at the bottom of the page (after the keyboard is hidden).

3. Update the video account settings page

Some netizens also discovered that the video account avatar and account name at the top of the WeChat Video Account settings page have now been updated with a "Profile Settings" option with text content, but the detailed settings content below has not changed.

4. Added "Video Account and Live Broadcast Push" switch

When you enter the WeChat "Me-Settings-New Message Notification" page, you will find that a new "Video Account and Live Broadcast Push" switch has been added under the notification switch category. After turning it off, WeChat will no longer receive video account and live broadcast pushes.

5. Video account live broadcast room supports video minimization

When watching a live broadcast on WeChat Video Account, the previously hidden "Minimize" button has now been moved to the upper right corner of the live broadcast interface. You can shrink the current live video interface or drag it to move it. In addition, the live broadcast picture clarity can also be adjusted, supporting smooth, high-definition, ultra-clear...

6. The startup page is adapted to the white bar

Some netizens also found that the latest version of WeChat's startup interface has been optimized. At least the startup speed when the App is opened has been optimized, and the function operation and page switching seem to be a little smoother. At the same time, the startup page has been adapted to the action gesture white bar. Interested friends can try it by themselves, but the adaptation of other operation interfaces to the white bar is still somewhat unsatisfactory.

7. targetSdkVersion dropped to API29 (Android 10)

Last October, WeChat released the Android WeChat 8.0.16 beta version, and upgraded the targetSdkVersion to API 30 (Android 11) at that time, but this update has downgraded it to 29 (Android 10).

8. WeChat keyboard function is still not fully launched

The long-awaited WeChat keyboard is still under testing. Although some friends with good hands-on skills can already try it out in advance, it is indeed puzzling that it has not yet been publicly tested after nearly a year of testing.