Google bud to shrink the world
Headphones to give real-time talk translation
Google has launched its first pair of wireless headphones featuring real- t i me l anguage translation from Google Translate.
The headphones, called Google Pixel Buds, connect to an Android or Google Pixel smartphone, connecting to the voice-controlled Google Assistant to make phone calls, play music or even understand other languages.
Google revealed the Pixel Buds and a host of new hardware at an event in San Francisco, including two smartphones, a laptop and upgrades to its smart Google Home speakers.
The translation software allows users to both listen to and speak in foreign languages using their smartphone. For listening services, holding down the earbud will translate another language into the user’s chosen language.
They can also use the Google Assistant to speak other languages using the Google Translate app. By pressing the earbud and saying “let me speak Italian”, users will be able to talk in English and their smartphone speakers will automatically translate into Italian.
The Google Assistant and earbuds will initially support 40 languages and starts at US$159 ($222) with a release date on November 22.
The Earbuds will also allow users to instantly ask questions by squeezing the bud. By connecting to Google Assistant, users will then hear answers to spoken questions.
“With Pixel Buds, we’re excited to put all the power of the Google Assistant into a pair of headphones you can take with you everywhere,” said Google product manager Adam Champy. “So you can easily control your tunes, get walking directions to the nearest coffee spot or have a conversation with someone from another country without ever pulling out your phone.”
Similar devices, such as Translate One2One, have been developed to help with translation, although this is the first attempt by a major tech company to bring such a product to market.
—