Google Tests Surrounding Speech Translation for Smart Glasses

Google is reportedly working on a new 'Listening area' mode for its Google Live Translate feature on Android XR, which could be a key feature in its upcoming smart glasses. This mode would allow users to translate speech from their surroundings, potentially using the full microphone array of the glasses.

The feature was discovered by Android Authority in the 10.32.66 version of the Google Translate app, and it seems to fit into Google's broader effort to expand Android XR ahead of its upcoming smart glasses launch. These glasses will include frames from Gentle Monster, Warby Parker, and Kering, among others.

Google Live Translate is designed to translate audio in real-time, matching the tone and pitch of the speaker's voice, as well as translating text from menus and signs. The new 'Listening area' mode would offer two distinct listening modes: 'Front only', which translates speech directly in front of the wearer for one-on-one conversations, and 'Surrounding area', which translates speech throughout the nearby area.

Google's strength in live translation is a key factor in its ability to compete with Meta's fleet of smart glasses, which also feature a live translation feature. However, it seems that Google is looking to pack in every bit of functionality to make its smart glasses more appealing to users.