Google Translate can now help with live conversations & language practice thanks to Gemini

Google has rolled out significant updates to the Google Translate app, anchored by advances in its Gemini artificial intelligence models. These updates aim to improve cross-language communication and language learning experiences. The app now includes real-time live conversation translation, enabling back-and-forth audio and on-screen transcripts for seamless multilingual interactions. This live translation feature supports 70 languages, such as Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil. It is available on both Android and iOS devices for users in the United States, India, and Mexico. To use this function, users tap on “Live translate,” select languages, and begin speaking to receive both audible translations and dual-language transcripts.

Google is also piloting a new language practice feature, revealed a few weeks ago as a potential Duolingo competitor, designed to adapt to each user’s skill level and goals. By tapping “practice” in the Translate app, learners receive customized listening and speaking scenarios, with activities generated dynamically based on their proficiency. This language practice beta is initially available for English speakers practicing Spanish or French, and for Spanish, French, or Portuguese speakers practicing English. Both new additions leverage Gemini's reasoning and multimodal capabilities, marking a further integration of advanced AI in public-facing Google services.