Key Points
- Google Translate adds AI‑driven live conversation with audio and on‑screen translations.
- The live mode supports seventy languages and works in noisy real‑world settings.
- A new language‑practice tool creates personalized listening and speaking exercises.
- The practice feature tailors scenarios based on user‑selected language, level, and motivation.
- Both features are in beta for Android and iOS, initially for English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers.
AI‑Powered Live Translation
Google Translate’s latest update introduces an AI‑enhanced live conversation mode that lets users speak with someone speaking a different language and receive instant audio and text translations. The feature, accessed by tapping “Live Translate” in the app, asks users to select the languages they will use, then automatically switches between them, recognizing pauses, accents, and intonations to keep the dialogue natural.
The underlying technology relies on Google’s Gemini voice and speech‑recognition models, which the company says improve sound isolation and performance in noisy environments like cafés or airports. The live mode now supports seventy languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil, and is being rolled out in the United States, India, and Mexico for both Android and iOS devices.
Personalized Language Practice
In addition to live translation, Google is piloting a language‑practice tool that creates custom listening and speaking exercises. When users open the feature, they are prompted to choose the language they want to learn, indicate their current proficiency level, and answer a brief question about their motivation. Based on these responses, the AI generates tailored scenarios that users can listen to or practice speaking, with optional hints available.
>Google explains that the tool was developed with learning experts and draws on recent research in language acquisition. It tracks daily progress and aims to complement existing language‑learning platforms rather than replace them. A Google product manager described the approach as “really complementary to other things out there,” emphasizing its role alongside formal classes, immersion experiences, and dedicated apps.
Beta Rollout and Availability
The new features are currently in beta, initially targeting English speakers learning Spanish or French, as well as Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers working on English. Users can access the live translation and practice tools through the standard Google Translate app on both Android and iOS, with the live mode appearing under the “Live Translate” option.
Google’s rollout reflects a broader strategy to integrate advanced AI capabilities into everyday tools, positioning Translate as both a practical translation service and a supplemental language‑learning resource.
Source: engadget.com