- Google Translate now has an offline mode for live translations
- This only works between English and ten other languages
- It also only works on Pixel 11, Pixel 10, and Pixel 9 series phones
Live Translate is a feature that has the potential to break down language barriers by having you speak to someone in your native language and automatically translate it into theirs. But while this Google Translate feature is undoubtedly useful, it’s also been held back somewhat by a need for an internet connection. But that is changing now.
As seen by Android Authority, Google has started to roll out an offline mode for Live Translator, which can be hugely beneficial, as this feature is likely to be used mostly abroad, where data costs can be higher, and the network connection can potentially be less reliable.
But even if you’re traveling somewhere that has widespread mobile coverage and affordable prices, it’s still reassuring to know that an internet connection isn’t required to effectively communicate with the locals.
Latest Videos FromTechRadar
Limited languages and phones
Of course, there are some restrictions here. First of all, offline live translator currently only works between English and French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian and Swedish. So that leaves out a lot of languages, and also means that English has to be one of the two languages spoken – you can’t get offline live translations between French and German, for example.
The other major limiting factor is that for now, at least, offline Live Translate only comes to the Google Pixel 11 series, Pixel 10 line, and Pixel 9 series. So if you have an older Pixel or a phone from another brand, you’re currently out of luck.
All of this means that the vast majority of people won’t benefit from it, so hopefully it’s a temporary restriction.
Then again, iOS already has a live translation feature of its own that can be used offline, and Samsung Galaxy phones also have a similar feature with offline functionality, so there are other options from the biggest rival brands.
Still, Google’s Live Translate feature isn’t exclusive to Pixels, so it would be nice to see this offline upgrade make it to other phones as well.
Follow TechRadar on Google News in the add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinion in your feeds. Make sure you click the follow button!
And of course you can too Follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and receive regular updates from us WhatsApp as well.