Skip to Content
Artificial intelligence

Google Assistant now comes with a real-time translator for 27 languages

January 9, 2019

Google has unveiled a new feature in Google Assistant, called Interpreter Mode, which can translate peoples’ conversations in real time.

The details: You don’t have to state which language you’re speaking, as the software can tell (if it’s one of the 27 languages it supports). There are some kinks: it won’t work if more than one person speaks, and it requires some unnatural gaps in the conversation while it processes, according to The Verge. For the time being, it’s only available on the Google Home Hub and third-party smart displays.

Background: This isn’t Google’s first go at real-time translation. It incorporated a similar feature into earbuds in November 2017 and already offers a similar service via Google Translate. Google’s virtual assistant has been endowed with a lot of new powers over the last year, including making bookings on your behalf and screening spam callers. 

This story first appeared in our newsletter The Download. Sign up here to get your daily dose of the latest in emerging tech. 

Deep Dive

Artificial intelligence

This new data poisoning tool lets artists fight back against generative AI

The tool, called Nightshade, messes up training data in ways that could cause serious damage to image-generating AI models. 

Rogue superintelligence and merging with machines: Inside the mind of OpenAI’s chief scientist

An exclusive conversation with Ilya Sutskever on his fears for the future of AI and why they’ve made him change the focus of his life’s work.

Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model

If OpenAI's new model can solve grade-school math, it could pave the way for more powerful systems.

Generative AI deployment: Strategies for smooth scaling

Our global poll examines key decision points for putting AI to use in the enterprise.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.