You might be aware of Google Translate, but Google is now enhancing the experience with real-time voice translation in Google Meet.

Unveiled during Google’s annual I/O event, this innovative feature is currently being rolled out to users who have the Google One AI Premium plan. With this functionality, Google Meet can translate spoken language instantly during video calls. When the feature is enabled, an AI-driven audio model picks up on a speaker and promptly translates their speech into a different language. At present, it supports English and Spanish, with more languages anticipated in the upcoming weeks.

During live translation, the original voice of the speaker remains audible at a reduced volume, while the translated version is heard at a normal volume. There is a brief delay before the translation commences—reminiscent of how a live interpreter operates. However, in this case, the translated voice reflects the speaker’s own tone, inflection, and emotion, owing to sophisticated AI technology.

“It’s akin to having a simultaneous interpreter,” described Yulie Kwon Kim, VP of Product for Google Workspace, during a pre-event briefing. “But rather than someone else’s voice, it’s your own voice articulating another language.”

This advancement could transform the way we interact across linguistic divides. Whether you are communicating with an Airbnb host, reconnecting with family overseas, or collaborating on research with global colleagues, live translation facilitates conversations in a more fluid and natural manner.

While some may express concern that mastering new languages could become less essential, the practical advantages of this technology—particularly in urgent or intricate scenarios—are difficult to overlook.

Live speech translation in Google Meet is currently in beta for AI Premium subscribers, which costs $20 per month. Google also intends to start testing the feature with Workspace customers later this year.

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