Google Translate’s latest update brings live speech translations, originally available only on the Pixel Buds, to any headphones you want, with support for over 70 languages. It’s rolling out today in beta and just requires a compatible Android phone with the Translate app (unlike Apple’s similar feature, which requires AirPods).
It’s one of a few new features coming to Google Translate, along with improved text translations. Using Gemini, Translate will now offer more accurate translations of phrases like idioms and slang, which have a different meaning than what they literally sound like word for word, such as the expression “stealing 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, which launched in beta in August, is a bit like Duolingo, but baked into Google Translate. It uses AI to make customized 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 make its way over to the iOS Translate app next year. Improved text translations are rolling out today in the US and Mexico on both the Android and iOS Translate apps, as well as on the web version of Translate. Practice is still a beta feature in Translate, so it may not be available to everyone yet.