Ciao clunky old language books and konichiwa, world. Because- ooh la la, Google just invented headphones which make us seem infinitely smarter. Taking inspiration from the iconic Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe, Google’s new headphones can instantly translate 40 languages, without any user effort. It’s safe to say, you’ll never feel lost in translation again.
The key? Google Pixel’s built in Google Assistant. Using a combination of the innovative software, artificial intelligence and the company’s groundbreaking translation research- the Google Pixel Buds can translate 40 languages in nearly real time (links to a great Google video demo). Utilizing research beyond traditional literal translation services, the assistant can then help users respond in a foreign language, with (somewhat) easy to understand verbal guidance. This is all based on Google’s artificial intelligence arm DeepMind, and their extensive research into humanizing computer translations and voices.
As you may have guessed, there’s already a waiting list. We’ve been huge fans of the Google Pixel and can’t wait to get our hands on the newest version, let alone the Pixel Buds. This is an incredible breakthrough, further making the world a smaller, yet more global space. Can you even begin to imagine walking through almost any foreign country, with confidence that you’ll be able to have at the very least- a conversation that get’s you what you need, or where you need to go? The babel fish is real.
How do you feel about these headphones?
Featured image courtesy of Google.
I want them!
Actually this is a bit of a bluff as it’s rather the Google translate app behind this little miracle (nonetheless,).
You can achieve the same on iPhone with AirPods or EarPods (with a mic) using the iOS version of Google’s app or any other smartphone as long as you have the app and earphones with a mic.
Pretty fantastic… if they work. I definitely want to try them!
I have mixed feelings. I think they will be great when accurate translation is important, but I also enjoy the experience of trying to communicate with other people when we only partially speak each other’s languages.They would be nice to have and use when needed.
I need to know the fidelity of the buds. I guess they will allow the outside to be heard for street wear.
One could wear them but not alert others to their function. Then see what folks are saying when they think you don’t speak the lingo.