Google rolls out live headphone translation, supercharges Translate with Gemini

MUMBAI: Google has begun rolling out a beta feature that delivers real-time language translation directly through headphones, turning any pair into a live, one-way interpreter.

Announced on Friday, the update allows users to hear spoken translations while preserving the speaker’s tone, cadence and emphasis, making conversations easier to follow. The feature is accessed via the Google Translate app by tapping “Live translate”.

The beta is now live on Android in the US, Mexico and India, supporting over 70 languages and working with any headphones. Google plans to extend the feature to iOS and additional markets in 2026.

Google is also adding advanced Gemini-powered capabilities to Translate, promising smarter and more natural translations, particularly for idioms, slang and local expressions. Phrases such as “stealing my thunder” will now be translated by meaning rather than word-for-word.

The Gemini update is rolling out in the U.S. and India, enabling translations between English and nearly 20 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and German, across Android, iOS and the web.

In parallel, Google is expanding its language-learning tools to nearly 20 new countries, including India, Germany, Sweden and Taiwan. New features include personalised speaking feedback, progress streak tracking and broader language support, bringing the experience closer to dedicated learning apps such as Duolingo.