Google is rolling out new Gemini-supported functionality for Search and its Translate app. It says its AI can now provide more natural and accurate text translations for phrases that have more “subtle meanings.” Translations will now take into account slang words and colloquial expressions rather than providing a direct translation that is sometimes unhelpful.
The latest update to its text translation feature is rolling out first in the US and India, adding translation between English and 20 other languages including German, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. It works in translation apps for iOS and Android, and on the web.
Gemini’s speech-to-speech translation feature has also been updated, so you can now hear the translation in real time in your headphones, just like Apple. Google says the new functionality, which is now in beta in the Translate app for Android in the US (iOS coming next year), tries to “preserve each speaker’s tone, emphasis, and cadence” so you can better understand the direction of the conversation and who said what. It works with any headphones and supports over 70 languages.
Finally, Google is adding more tools to its potential Duolingo-rival AI-powered language learning tool, which it added to the Translate app in August. Like Duolingo, Translate can now track how many days in a row you’ve been trying to learn a new language, so you can check your progress over time. It’s not clear whether it will constantly nag you like the Duolingo owl, which is famous for its slowness.
The feedback feature has also been improved, so you should get more useful tips on how you’re pronouncing words or phrases. Germany, India and Sweden are among the 20 new countries that can now use these educational tools.
After not liking it much for a while, Google has been busy adding new features to Translate recently. As well as the new language practice feature, an update last month added the ability to choose between “fast” and “advanced” translations that allow you to prioritize speed when you’re in a hurry (eg ordering drinks at a bar) or getting a more accurate translation using Gemini.
<a href