Pixel 11 Translates Videos on the Fly
Google's latest phone automatically syncs audio to another language while watching videos, and the AI assistant has become the fastest-growing product in the company's history.
Google's latest phone automatically syncs audio to another language while watching videos, and the AI assistant has become the fastest-growing product in the company's history.
Google is expanding its AI ecosystem on two fronts. On one hand, the Pixel 11 series gets automatic translations for video content and podcasts, and on the other, the Gemini app has officially surpassed one billion monthly users, as announced this week.
The new Pixel 11, powered by the Tensor G6 chip and the Gemini Intelligence platform, introduces the ability to sync speech in real time while users watch YouTube Shorts, longer videos, or listen to podcasts. The system automatically detects the original language and re-records the audio into the selected target language, without the need for manual activation.
Users can still choose the language they want the content translated into, similar to how Google Translate works. For now, the feature works on YouTube and select third-party apps, but Google has not yet specified which platforms will be supported.
Although Instagram already offers translation for Reels, it is not automatic-viewers must manually activate it, and it only works if the creator has previously enabled it. Google's approach promises a significantly more fluid experience because the translation kicks in automatically as soon as the device recognizes speech.
Behind this hardware breakthrough, Gemini is posting historic numbers. Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed on social media that the AI assistant has surpassed one billion monthly users. "It's our fastest-growing product ever and the 14th to reach the billion-user mark," Pichai wrote.
Josh Woodward from the Gemini team also revealed that people are increasingly talking to AI. As many as 63 percent of users interact with the Gemini app exclusively through voice, and busy parents are 43 percent more likely to use voice commands for everyday tasks. Support for more than 60 new regional dialects is also coming soon.
"Voice is transforming everyday interactions," Woodward said.
Google Research and Google DeepMind have simultaneously unveiled progress in telemedicine. Their AI system, AMIE, can now conduct real-time video consultations. In a randomized study with simulated patients, AMIE met clinical benchmarks, opening the door to broader use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The announcements come just one day apart-Gemini app data and the AMIE system were released on Monday, while details about the Pixel 11 and the Live Translate feature were unveiled on Tuesday-and together paint a picture of where Google is pushing its AI ecosystem: ubiquitous, voice-driven, and linguistically unlimited.
