Google Translate has long been a go-to app for travelers and anyone interested in learning languages. But, this new update takes the app offering to new levels.
Powered by Google’s Gemini AI models, Translate is rolling out new live translation tools for real-time conversations and an experimental practice mode designed to help anyone actually master a new language.
Live conversations with instant translations
If you're like me, you've stumbled through conversations abroad. Whether ordering food or asking for directions, getting around comfortably in a foreign country can be frustrating.
That's why this update in particular could be a game changer. Google Translate now supports back-and-forth conversations in more than 70 languages, including Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Spanish and Tamil.
Here’s how it works
Open the Translate app on Android or iOS, tap “Live translate,” then choose the languages and start speaking. The app automatically identifies pauses, accents and intonations, translating your words aloud and showing transcripts for both sides of the conversation on-screen.
Google says its upgraded speech recognition models are tuned for noisy real-world settings, which means it can be easily used in a busy airport or crowded restaurant.
The new live conversation feature is available today (Aug 26) in the U.S., India and Mexico.
Language practice built just for you
Google is also piloting a new feature to help you go beyond simple word lookups. The “practice” tool creates interactive listening and speaking exercises tailored to your skill level and goals. Instead of memorizing phrases, you can practice real conversational scenarios; complete with hints if you get stuck.
Whether you’re brushing up on Spanish before a trip or learning French from scratch, Translate adapts to your level. The app tracks your daily progress, helps you build confidence in listening and speaking, and even lets you target vocabulary you care about most.
Launching today, the beta is available on Android and iOS. At first, it’s available for English speakers practicing Spanish and French, and for Spanish, French and Portuguese speakers practicing English.
Is Google Translate about to get a lot more useful?
Google says over 1 trillion words are translated across its services every month, from Translate to Lens to Circle to Search. By infusing Gemini’s multimodal reasoning into Translate, the company is offering the benefits of simple text-to-text translation for an easy, natural conversation assistant.
This update helps users easily understand the around them, even in foreign countries, while learning a new language along the way.
If you’ve ever wished your phone could act like a real-time interpreter or a personal tutor, Google Translate is suddenly a lot closer to that vision.
