Google Pixel Buds Translates 40 Languages In Real-Time

Many companies and startups have been promising to provide consumers with real-time translations over the years, most of which have failed. This time, Google is taking a crack at it with its Pixel Buds and apparently, it works. According to first-hand accounts, the peripherals are effective at translating the languages that were available during the recent Pixel 2 event, and the device can do this for 40.

During the event held in San Francisco by Google, the company showed off a veritable menagerie of devices that were on par with what publications have come to expect. However, it wasn’t until near the end of the presentation that the company unveiled the Pixel Buds. Wireless headphones meant to be used with the Pixel 2 smartphone, the $159 device is apparently capable of translating languages in real-time, Engadget reports.

Using the headset is really easy, as well. With a tap on the right Bud, users can issue commands, which will then be obeyed by the Google Assistant in the Pixel 2 phone. On top of allowing for the standard fare of playing music, making calls, or looking up directions, users can also ask the Google Assistant with translations.

If the user says “Help me speak Japanese,” for example, the translation protocol turns on. This would allow users to speak in English to the phone and Japanese would come out through the speaker. Likewise, when the other person speaks in Japanese, the user will hear it translated into English.

As for its other features, TechCrunch notes that the design of the headset is bulkier than most other wireless headsets, but feels comfortable thanks to the threaded soft cord. The sound quality was apparently harder to judge due to the noise of the crowd, but the reviewer notes that it’s on par with what can be expected from wireless headphones.