Google has revealed two updates to the live translation feature of Google Translate for use on iOS and Android, as reported in a Google blog.
Android users can now have their live translations running in the background while they are using other applications or when the screen is locked, and iOS users can now receive live translations directly via their phone’s earpiece.
The live translation function enables near-real-time audio translation in over 70 languages. Background translation on iOS will be available soon. The earpiece feature was available on Android prior to this update.
Google Translate Background Translation on Android and Earpiece Translation on iOS
Google states that over one-third of its live translation sessions now exceed five minutes in duration. As a result, Android users can now maintain live translations in the background, something that Google says is helpful in cases involving longer sessions when a user needs to carry out other tasks or when they want to lock the phone screen.
Google states that support for background translation on iOS will be coming soon.
Worldwide iOS users can now receive real-time translations directly via their phone’s earpiece, even though this feature has already been available on Android.
To help users, Google recommends holding the phone to their ear when no headphones are available, for instance when listening to announcements in noisy airports or keeping up with groups on crowded tours.
The updates are currently being rolled out: background live translation for Android and earpiece translation for iOS. Background translation for iOS will be coming soon, although Google has not stated a specific date.
Live translation supports over 70 languages. It is not known whether the rollout is staged; availability might differ from device to device as Google extends the features.
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