Google is taking another big step toward breaking down language barriers by introducing live interpretation in Google Meet, building on its existing live translated transcription feature. Initially, live interpretation will be available in Spanish for personal accounts. Later this year, Google plans to roll it out to business users and expand support to additional languages.
Get Live Interpretation in Your Voice and Tone
The big deal about this isn’t just the capacity to speak to someone in their native tongue, but the fact that it will be in your voice and use your inflection, all thanks to the power of Google’s Gemini AI. Not so coincidentally, this was announced at the same time as Google’s HeyGen killer, AI Avatars, which will allow you to make videos using your own likeness and voice.
This type of interpretation is known in the business as simultaneous translation - Google is wisely using a less complex term to describe it to its customers. Most simultaneous translation is done with a voice-over on a slight delay, where this will be true real-time with no delay and in your own voice.
Live Transcription Translations for Almost 70 Languages
Google announced the ability for Google Meet to do live transcriptions in many different languages last year, but at the time it came with an extra add-on price tag. Google has since made Gemini available to nearly all paid Google Workspace subscribers, meaning that every business can take advantage of this feature right now. Just follow the instructions at the link to turn it on for your organization’s Meets.
How Accurate are Google’s Translation Capabilities?
If you’re wondering if and how to implement this in your business, bear in mind that the translations offered may not be completely accurate, and may make critical mistakes. For this reason, you’ll still want to use the services of interpreters and/or translators for any VIP global client meetings or things like a shareholder meeting that have a fundamental impact on your company’s bottom line.
Where it is useful is for basic customer service, such as hotels who want to answer questions from guests about amenities, or a client who just has a quick question about a service. Even then, you should start your meeting with a disclaimer that the translations may not be accurate to manage client expectations.
It’s also great for a globally distributed business to create more of a sense of culture, allowing employees to talk to each other in real time. Just make sure you always have a disclaimer ready, and don’t rely on it for business-critical meetings.
How much more business could you do if you could talk to everyone in the world? Contact us for a demonstration today to find out how Google Workspace’s translation and interpretation features can increase international trade for you.
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