Google Translate Adds Real-Time Speech Translation to Headphones
▼ Summary
– Google Translate now offers live speech translation through any headphones on Android, supporting over 70 languages and rolling out in beta.
– The update introduces improved text translations using Gemini AI for more accurate handling of idioms and slang.
– The Practice feature, an AI-powered language learning tool within Translate, is expanding to 20 new countries and adding more languages.
– Live speech translation is initially available in the US, Mexico, and India on Android, with an iOS release planned for next year.
– Improved text translations are rolling out now in the US and Mexico across Android, iOS, and the web, while Practice remains in beta.
Google Translate is now expanding its real-time speech translation capabilities beyond its own hardware, making the feature available for use with virtually any pair of headphones. This significant update, launching in beta, allows Android users to experience live, conversational translation through their preferred audio gear, supporting an impressive library of over 70 languages. The functionality requires only a compatible Android device and the Google Translate app, offering a more flexible approach compared to Apple’s ecosystem-locked alternative.
The headphone translation feature is part of a broader suite of enhancements rolling out for the service. A major upgrade comes to text translation, where Google is leveraging its Gemini AI model to deliver more nuanced and accurate interpretations. This is particularly impactful for translating complex linguistic elements like idioms, slang, and colloquial phrases, such as “stealing my thunder”, that often lose their true meaning in a literal, word-for-word conversion. The AI aims to grasp the contextual intent behind such expressions.
Another area seeing substantial growth is the integrated language learning tool known as Practice. Originally introduced in a limited beta, this feature is expanding its reach to 20 additional countries and adding more supported languages. Functioning similarly to dedicated learning apps, Practice uses artificial intelligence to create personalized study sessions. These sessions adapt to a user’s proficiency, offering targeted exercises in vocabulary building and listening comprehension directly within the Translate ecosystem.
Availability for these new features is rolling out in phases. The live speech translation through headphones begins its launch today for users in the United States, Mexico, and India on Android, with plans to bring the functionality to iOS devices next year. The improved, AI-powered text translations are also launching today for both Android and iOS users in the US and Mexico, as well as on the web version of Translate. The Practice feature remains in a beta state, so access may be limited as Google continues to refine the experience based on user feedback.
(Source: The Verge)
