Starting December 12, 2025, Google begins beta testing a live translation feature that turns any headphones connected to an Android device into real-time translation earbuds, powered by its next-generation Gemini AI.
The update enables real-time audio translations through headphones for conversations, lectures, TV shows, and movies. Gemini improves the experience by producing more natural-sounding speech that reflects the original speaker’s tone and cadence while localizing idiomatic expressions.
To use the feature, users need to open the Google Translate app, connect their Android device to their headphones, and select the desired languages. The beta is initially available in the United States, Mexico, and India, with support for more than 70 languages, including major global languages and more specialized regional variants.
For text translation, Gemini-powered upgrades are already live in the U.S. and India across Android, iOS, and the web, supporting 20 languages with more natural results.
The move draws Google into direct competition with Apple, which unveiled its own Live Translation feature for certain AirPods models in June. Where Apple’s version is limited to a small hardware list and nine languages, Google’s takes a broader approach, working with any headphones and covering more than 70 languages.
Analysts interpret the development as a reflection of the intensifying competition around AI. Google is building on its investment in Gemini, which is growing quickly, to enhance its established Translate service. Apple Intelligence, in contrast, remains relatively new and depends on external models such as OpenAI’s GPT for some functions.
In addition to the new translation feature, Google has updated the language-learning tools in the Translate app. The courses now resemble popular learning platforms such as Duolingo, with improved feedback and daily progress tracking, and are expanding to nearly 20 new countries.
New courses for English speakers now include German and Portuguese, while learners who speak Bengali, Dutch, Romanian, Swedish, and several other languages can access expanded English courses.
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