The latest update to Google Translate brings live speech translations, originally only available on Pixel Buds, to any headphones and support for over 70 languages. His will be released today in beta and only requires a compatible Android phone and the Translate app (unlike Apple’s similar feature, which requires AirPods).
This is one of several modern features available in Google Translate, along with improved text translations. Using Gemini, Translate will now offer more correct translations of phrases such as idioms and slang that have a different meaning than what they literally sound like word-for-word, such as the phrase “stealing my thunder.”
Today’s update also extends the Practice in Translator feature, bringing it to 20 modern countries and adding more supported languages. The Exercises feature, which launched in beta in August, is a bit like Duolingo, but built into Google Translate. It uses artificial intelligence to create tailored language learning sessions based on your skill level, including vocabulary practice and listening comprehension.
Live Speech-to-Speech Translation is available now in the US, Mexico and India on Android, and will be coming to the Translate app on iOS next year. Improved text translations are now available in the US and Mexico in the Translate apps for Android and iOS, as well as in the web version of Translate. Exercises is still a beta feature of Translator, so it may not be available to everyone yet.