Google has introduced a beta feature that provides real-time translations through headphones, as announced on Friday. The company is also enhancing Google Translate with advanced Gemini capabilities and broadening the availability of its language-learning tools within the Translate app.

This new headphone translation experience preserves the original speaker's tone, emphasis, and rhythm, making conversations easier to follow and identify who is speaking. Essentially, it transforms any headphones into a one-way, real-time translation device.

Rose Yao, Google VP of Product Management for Search Verticals, explained in a blog post, "Whether you’re trying to have a conversation in a different language, listen to a speech or lecture while abroad, or watch a TV show or film in another language, you can now put in your headphones, open the Translate app, tap ‘Live translate’ and hear a real-time translation in your preferred language."

The beta is currently available in the Translate app on Android in the U.S., Mexico, and India. It works with any headphones and supports over 70 languages. Google plans to extend this feature to iOS and additional countries in 2026.

Regarding the advanced Gemini capabilities coming to Translate, Google states they will deliver smarter, more natural, and accurate text translations. These improvements will better handle phrases with nuanced meanings, such as slang, idioms, or local expressions.

For instance, translating an English idiom like “stealing my thunder” will now yield a more accurate interpretation instead of a literal word-for-word translation, as Gemini analyzes the context to convey the idiom's true meaning.

This update is rolling out now in the U.S. and India, offering translations between English and nearly 20 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and German. It is accessible in the Translate app on Android, iOS, and the web.

Google is also expanding its language learning tools to almost 20 new countries, such as Germany, India, Sweden, and Taiwan. English speakers can now practice German, while speakers of Bengali, Mandarin Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, German, Hindi, Italian, Romanian, and Swedish can practice English.

Additionally, the tech giant is introducing improved feedback to provide helpful tips based on speaking practice. A new feature will track consecutive days of learning, helping users monitor progress and maintain consistency.

While these tools were already positioned to compete with Duolingo, this latest addition brings the experience even closer to that popular language-learning app.