The latest update to Google Translate brings live speech translation with support for over 70 languages, which is basically only available on the Pixel Buds, any headphones you want. Its Being released in beta today And all that’s needed is a compatible Android phone with the Translate app (unlike Apple’s similar feature, which requires AirPods).
Along with improved text translation, this is one of the few new features coming to Google Translate. Using Gemini, Translate will now offer more accurate translations of phrases like idioms and slang, whose literal meaning varies from word to word, such as the expression “steal my thunder.”
Today’s update also includes expanding the Practice in Translation feature, bringing it to 20 new countries and adding more supported languages. The Practice feature, which launched in beta in August, is somewhat like Duolingo, but with Google Translate baked in. It uses AI to create customized language learning sessions based on your skill level, including vocabulary practice and listening comprehension.
Live speech-to-speech translation is rolling out today on Android in the US, Mexico, and India, and will come to the iOS Translate app next year. Enhanced text translations are becoming available today in both the Android and iOS Translate apps in the US and Mexico, as well as the web version of Translate. Practice in translation is still a beta feature, so it may not be available to everyone yet.
