时间:2025-07-11 18:01:42 来源:网络整理编辑:焦點
As cool as smart displays — like Google's Home Hub — are, I've never really wanted one.
As cool as smart displays — like Google's Home Hub — are, I've never really wanted one. I've always been quite happy with the Google Home and Google Home mini speakers I have around my house.
But Google Assistant's latest trick has me re-thinking that for the first time. Today, the company introduced a new feature called "Interpreter Mode," which allows its assistant to act as a real-time translator during a conversation between two people.
It's exactly as cool as it sounds.
SEE ALSO:Google Assistant hits 1 billion devices as war against Alexa heats upThe concept is similar to Google's Pixel Buds, the $159 ear buds Google launched in 2017 that can provide real-time translations in your ears. But Interpreter Mode is even better, because it allows both people to benefit from Google's translation abilities. Its capabilities are also a little more advanced, as product manager Vincent Lacey explained.
"This is native integration with Google Assistant itself; it should be a lot more seamless, a lot faster," Lacey said.
I got to see Interpreter Mode in action at the concierge desk at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, one of three hotels where concierge staff is piloting the tool with hotel guests. I watched it interpret conversations from English to Chinese and Chinese to German — Interpreter Mode supports translations between 27 different languages — using both voice and text.
What stood out most to me during my brief demo was just how much Google has been able to simplify the complex task of interpretation.
You start by saying "Okay Google, German interpreter," (or Spanish, French, etc.), and Google Assistant is able to detect the languages being spoken and translate back to the other person using voice and text.
Tweet may have been deleted
Because Interpreter Mode lets both participants hear and see what the other is saying, it's inherently much more conversational than what you'd get with Pixel Buds or by straight up talking into the Google Translate app on your phone. You know, like an actual interpreter.
Not that Interpreter Mode was totally perfect. In the demos I witnessed, there were some stumbles and awkwardness, like mistranslated words and confusion around how conversations should flow when you're using a digital display as your interpreter. (There's an audio cue each time the assistant is ready for the next speaker to start talking.)
But these were relatively minor issues. More importantly, the experience was good enough that Interpreter Mode actually seems like a viable way to converse with someone you wouldn't otherwise be able to communicate with — at least for everyday conversations.
Though the company is testing the tech at a couple hotels, Google isn't planning a big launch with businesses just yet, but it's not difficult to imagine Interpreter Mode coming in handy in other scenarios, like at airports or with other businesses.
The feature is also one of the best reasons yet to invest in a smart display, like the Google Home Hub. Google says Interpreter Mode will work on normal Google Home speakers as well, but without the added benefit of a written translation.
TopicsGoogleGoogle Assistant
Donald Trump's tangled web of Russian influence2025-07-11 17:59
Donald Trump has an aide who follows him on the golf course to show him positive articles2025-07-11 17:51
Kevin Conroy, the iconic voice of Batman, has died at age 662025-07-11 17:34
'Quordle' today: See each 'Quordle' answer and hints for December 142025-07-11 17:17
Airbnb activates disaster response site for Louisiana flooding2025-07-11 16:57
Eight suspended Twitter Accounts reinstated, including Musk2025-07-11 16:12
Folks in the U.S. can play Android games on Windows PCs now2025-07-11 16:07
Best deals of the day Dec. 7: Roomba i3+ Evo, Fire TV Omni Series, and Paramount+ subscriptions2025-07-11 15:45
Australian football makes history with first LGBT Pride Game2025-07-11 15:43
Trump won't be fact2025-07-11 15:30
How Hyperloop One went off the rails2025-07-11 17:58
Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for November 252025-07-11 17:40
How to watch Disney's 'Strange World'2025-07-11 17:06
2022 MAMA Awards voting disrupted because of 'internal changes within Twitter'2025-07-11 16:53
Fiji wins first2025-07-11 16:46
What’s going on with Drake's fake press tour?2025-07-11 16:43
Tinder's Year in Swipe identifies 'situationships' as a valid relationship status2025-07-11 16:28
Elon Musk suspends Kanye West's Twitter account2025-07-11 16:19
Satisfy your Olympics withdrawals with Nike's latest app2025-07-11 16:02
How to watch 'Black Adam'2025-07-11 15:47