Google’s core apps, one after the other, are getting enhanced with Gemini smarts. The latest one to get the treatment is Google Translate . After reportedly rolling out the AI model picker last month, the company is introducing “state-of-the-art” text translation quality in the Search and Translate app, with Gemini intelligence. Google is bringing real-time, natural-sounding translations right to your headphones with the help of Gemini’s new native speech-to-speech translation capabilities. The Google Translate app also adds a Duolingo-style daily streak.
Google Translate gets Gemini smarts to better understand idioms
Google Translate uses advanced Gemini capabilities to improve translations on phrases with more nuanced meanings like idioms, local expressions, or slang. The company says that it’s now easier to get a more natural, accurate translation, instead of a literal word-for-word translation.
This update is rolling out in the US and India, for translations between English and nearly 20 languages, including Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, and German. It will be available on mobile via Android, iOS, and the web.
Google Translate adds Duolingo-style daily learning streaks
Google is also expanding live translations, previously limited to the Pixel Buds, to a range of headphones in beta. Built on Gemini’s new live speech-to-speech translation capabilities, you can hear real-time translations in your headphones. Using this, users can instantly translate whatever is being said into a language of their choice. This will preserve the tone, emphasis, and cadence of each speaker to create more natural translations.
Google is expanding language learning tools in the Translate app so you can get helpful tips based on your speaking practice. The feature will now be available in 20 new countries, including Sweden, India, Taiwan, and Germany. It’s also introducing a new way to track your daily streak, just like Duolingo. This allows you to clearly see progress and consistency over time. This is also rolling out now.
