Google Translate brings real-time speech translations to any headphones
The latest update to Google Translate brings live voice translations, initially only available on Pixel Buds, to any earbuds you want, with support for over 70 languages. It’s rolling out today in beta and simply requires a compatible Android phone with the Translate app (unlike Apple’s similar feature, which requires AirPods).
This is one of the few new features in Google Translate, along with improved text translations. Thanks to Gemini, Translate will now offer more accurate translations of expressions such as idioms and slang, which have a different meaning than they literally sound word for word, such as the phrase “steal my thunder.”
Today’s update also includes an expansion of the Practice feature in Translate, bringing it to 20 new countries and adding more supported languages. The Practice feature, launched in beta in August, is a bit like Duolingo, but integrated with Google Translate. It uses AI to create personalized language learning sessions based on your skill level, including vocabulary practice and listening comprehension.
Live speech-to-speech translation is rolling out today in the US, Mexico, and India on Android and will be integrated into the iOS Translate app next year. Enhanced text translations are rolling out today in the US and Mexico to the Android and iOS Translate apps, as well as the web version of Translate. Practice is still a beta feature in Translate, so it may not be available to everyone yet.
