The idea of ??a seamless and instant translation of a language has long fascinated people. This is common in pop culture: just look at the Babylonian fish from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , or the Tardis from Doctor Who .
While perfect translation is still a long way off, you can buy headphones that translate in real time. We’ve rounded up the best portable translators you can buy today. Get one of these and your next trip abroad can be much more rewarding.
Google Pixel Buds 2 – $ 180
Pixel Buds 2 is the latest version of Pixel Buds from Google. This is an impressive pair of headphones even without translation, with adaptive audio and contactless access to Google Assistant. But where they really shine is in real-time translation
Pixel Buds 2 uses Google Translate to translate spoken words from one language to another almost instantly. This feature allows you to translate into 40 different languages, including French, Malay, Hindi and Mandarin.
Unfortunately, this process is not entirely smooth. You still need to open the Google Translate app and select the language the other person speaks, then press and hold while speaking. While not perfect, it is one step closer to a smoother translation.
Aunu Audio M50 $ 200
The Aunu Audio M50 headphones, like the Pixel Buds 2, are a solid set of headphones. The earbuds hold a charge for six hours straight. Combined with a charging case, the devices can last up to 150 hours. But sound quality aside, these headphones really shine when you pair them with the Aunu Audio Translator app.
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The app can interpret over 33 languages ??in real time without having to type anything on the phone. The Aunu Audio M50 translates words right into your ears. You don’t have to press the microphone button every time you use it.
These languages ??include some of the most widely spoken in the world, including French, Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese.
Waverly Labs Pilot Earbuds – $ 180
Waverly Labs set out to create a headphone that could not only translate accurately, but also be used for everyday tasks such as listening to music or making phone calls. The result is the Pilot headphones. Pilot uses a charging case that charges the earbuds for up to 20 hours.
The Pilot headphones pair with the Pilot Speech Translation app to provide users with accurate, near real-time translation It has Converse mode for talking to someone and Listen mode for translating. The application can translate into 15 languages ??and 42 dialects with natural sounding male and female voices.
The Pilot Speech Translation app also provides on-screen conversation transcripts so you can quickly review what was said. It also helps to identify places where the translation might be slightly inaccurate. You can download the transcript of the conversation, as well as get quick access to the dictionary and phrasebook.
It’s not exactly a butterfly fish, but it’s one step closer. It’s also worth noting that these headphones look great too. Many of the more specialized translation devices do not have the most attractive designs in the world, but the Pilot headphones were designed with aesthetics in mind.
WT2 interpreter headphones $ 200
The WT2 Language Translator in-ear headphones are specially designed for real-time translation They don’t have to be universal devices that can translate as well. WT2 can translate into 40 different languages ??and 93 different accents, including less common languages ??like Telugu and Slovenian.
The WT2 is designed with different modes for different environments. Simul Mode is for use in a quiet environment for continuous conversation, and Touch Mode is for use in noisy environments. Speaker Mode is intended for travel or business use.
Like other translation headphones, WT2 connects with a translation app. It’s closer to more futuristic translators than any other product on this list. For example, in Simul Mode, each person wears one earpiece and can talk to each other with nearly 95% accuracy. The only thing that bothers you is the other person’s earwax on your earpiece.
WT2 claims that 85% of the world’s population can communicate with headphones. Whether you are a travel enthusiast or interested in foreign cultures, these headphones will allow you to experience another culture on a much deeper level.
These headphones represent some of the best wearable translators on the market. If you travel frequently or work with foreign languages, these devices can be really helpful. Imagine for a moment that an English as a foreign teacher could use them to teach more complex grammar concepts to a student who is not yet very fluent in English.
A traveler lost in a foreign country could ask the real path, and not play charades to convey his point of view. If you need headphones for listening to music this is not the best option, but if you want to understand other languages ??this is the best option.
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