Google has improved the capability of any headphones you possess. In an effort to broaden Google Translate, the company is rolling out a beta version for real-time language translation via headphones, as revealed in a blog entry. This functionality accommodates more than 70 languages and is compatible with any headphones that include a microphone.

The blog entry mentions, “We’re introducing Gemini’s most robust translation features to Google Translate for text, launching a beta experience for live speech-to-speech translations with headphones, and incorporating new languages into the app for practice and skill enhancement.”

As stated by Google VP of product and search Rose Yao, Gemini delivers meaningful translations that reflect the speaker’s intent, rather than mere literal translations. For instance, translating an English idiom such as “stealing my thunder” now yields a more natural and precise translation.

To test the new live translation feature, launch the Google Translate mobile app with your headphones connected and press the “Live translate” button.

Previously, live translation with Google Translate was restricted to Pixel Buds users. Now, Android users can access live translation using any headphones, signaling a significant advancement towards universal live translation.

Nevertheless, this feature is still in beta, available solely in the U.S., Mexico, and India, and currently limited to Android users. Google intends to make it available for iOS in 2026. In the meantime, iPhone users must depend on Apple’s restricted live translation.

Large-language models like ChatGPT and Gemini are especially proficient at language translation, making live translation an exciting application of this technology.