Google is giving Google Translate a major AI boost with two new features designed to make language learning and communication more natural. The updates, which started rolling out this week on iOS and Android in beta, could put pressure on apps like Duolingo.
AI-Generated Practice Sessions
The first new feature brings AI-powered practice lessons to the Translate app. Users can choose their skill level—Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced—and share their learning motivation. Based on this input, Google Translate generates personalized practice sessions.
These sessions adapt to each learner and can focus on either listening or speaking skills. For example:
- Listening practice: hear a short audio clip in your target language and select words you recognize.
- Speaking practice: repeat on-screen phrases to improve pronunciation and fluency.
Google says the feature was developed in collaboration with language learning experts, drawing on research in modern language acquisition. While simpler than Duolingo’s gamified lessons, it offers a free, adaptive way to practice languages directly in Translate.
Real-Time Conversation Translation Upgrade
Google is also enhancing its existing Live Conversation feature. Previously, Translate would convert your speech and show the translated text after you finished speaking. With the update, the app now translates in real time, letting the other person read along as you talk.
If needed, a full transcript will still be read aloud at the end of your sentence. The upgrade supports over 70 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil, and is available in the U.S., India, and Mexico.
A Step Toward Smarter Language Learning
With these upd Google is giving Google Translate a major AI boost with two new features designed to make language learning and communication more natural. The updates, which started rolling out this week on iOS and Android in beta, could put pressure on apps like Duolingo.
AI-Generated Practice Sessions
The first new feature brings AI-powered practice lessons to the Translate app. Users can choose their skill level—Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced—and share their learning motivation. Based on this input, Google Translate generates personalized practice sessions.
These sessions adapt to each learner and can focus on either listening or speaking skills. For example:
- Listening practice: hear a short audio clip in your target language and select words you recognize.
- Speaking practice: repeat on-screen phrases to improve pronunciation and fluency.
Google says the feature was developed in collaboration with language learning experts, drawing on research in modern language acquisition. While simpler than Duolingo’s gamified lessons, it offers a free, adaptive way to practice languages directly in Translate.
Real-Time Conversation Translation Upgrade
Google is also enhancing its existing Live Conversation feature. Previously, Translate would convert your speech and show the translated text after you finished speaking. With the update, the app now translates in real time, letting the other person read along as you talk.
If needed, a full transcript will still be read aloud at the end of your sentence. The upgrade supports over 70 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil, and is available in the U.S., India, and Mexico.
A Step Toward Smarter Language Learning
With these updates, Google Translate is evolving from a basic translation tool into a language-learning companion. While it may not fully replace dedicated platforms like Duolingo, its free AI-driven lessons and real-time communication features make it a powerful resource for learners and travelers alike. ates, Google Translate is evolving from a basic translation tool into a language learning companion. While it may not fully replace dedicated platforms like Duolingo, its free AI-driven lessons and real-time communication features make it a powerful resource for learners and travelers alike.
