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Google Translate is one of the best tools available when you’re trying to communicate in a different language, and a newly discovered in-development feature could be an extra big help for anyone looking to be more deliberate with their translations.
Android Authority uncovered a hidden, unfinished option in a recent version of Google Translate to view alternative translation options. According to the report, this feature appeared while activating the new “Ask” and “Understand” buttons that Google is also working on, and that AA had previously reported on.
The screengrabs in the report show how tapping the new button offers alternative translations for your original statement, each showing a different intent. In the provided screenshots, you can see that the app offers three different options, each using a different wording to describe a business.
Some options also have explanations of why some phrases have been chosen, such as their relevance for doing business in that language. Different levels of formality or gender-specific language are also available, all of which could be a big help when talking to a variety of people, and offer users a lot more options for every social situation.
What else has changed for Google Translate?
This new reveal follows the recent news that Google was bringing its real-time translations powered by Gemini out as a beta version. While the Live Translate feature was originally exclusive to the Google Pixel Buds 2 and other Pixel Buds, the new beta is available on any pair of headphones, although they presumably require an in-built microphone.
Google also aims to help people use Google Translate as a language learning tool, with options to help you learn a new tongue or brush up on your basics. While it might not be at the same level as Duolingo, the potential to have it paired with the alternative suggestions could be a big help in developing more naturalistic conversation.
This potential addition is certainly one that we would look forward to, but there’s no indication when it will arrive. As Android Authority notes, the pieces all seem to be in place for the feature, so it all depends on when Google plans to release it.
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