Shirleen MacCullagh
shirleenmaccul
Breaking the Language Barrier: The Best Translation Earbuds of 2018
Breaking the Language Barrier: The Best Translation Earbuds of 2018
Here is a blog post written from the perspective of late 2018, capturing the excitement of when real-time modern translation technology technology first started hitting the mainstream.
For decades, science fiction has promised us a "universal translator." Whether it was the Babel Fish from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy or the Universal Translator in Star Trek, the idea of understanding any language in real-time seemed like a dream for the distant future.
Well, the future has officially arrived.
2018 has been a breakout year for wearable tech, specifically in the realm of "hearables." We’ve seen a surge in smart earbuds that don’t just play music, but actually help you navigate a foreign city or conduct a business meeting in a language you don’t speak.
If you’re a frequent traveler or a language enthusiast, here are the best translation earbuds you can buy in 2018.
1. The Heavy Hitter: Google Pixel Buds
When Google announced the Pixel Buds, the tech world stopped and listened. While they aren't "true wireless" (there is a braided cable connecting the two buds), their integration with Google Translate is their superpower.
- How they work: By holding the right earbud and saying, "Help me speak Spanish," the Google Translate app triggers on your Pixel phone. As you speak, the phone’s speaker broadcasts the translation. When the other person speaks, the translation is played directly into your ears.
- The Pros: Access to 40+ languages and the sheer power of Google’s neural machine translation.
- The Cons: You currently need a Google Pixel phone to use the translation feature, and the "tethered" wire feels a bit dated compared to competitors.
2. The Crowdfunding Darling: Waverly Labs Pilot
The Pilot by Waverly Labs was one of the most anticipated pieces of tech this year after a massive Indiegogo campaign. Unlike the Pixel Buds, these are designed specifically for conversation.
- How they work: The Pilot comes in a pair. The idea is that you wear one and give the second one to the person you are talking to. The system then facilitates a "pass-back" conversation where both parties hear the translation in their respective ears.
- The Pros: Excellent for one-on-one meetings; it comes with a secondary earbud for music, making it a versatile daily driver.
- The Cons: There can be a slight lag depending on your data connection, and the earpieces are a bit bulky.
3. The Natural Conversationalist: Timekettle WT2
While many earbuds feel like headphones that happen to translate, the WT2 was built from the ground up for communication. It’s arguably the most "frictionless" experience on the list.
- How they work: Similar to the Pilot, you share an earbud. However, the WT2 features "Auto Mode," which allows for completely hands-free conversation. You just speak, and the translation begins automatically without needing to press buttons on the app.
- The Pros: Extremely user-friendly for long conversations; the charging case is sleek and portable.
- The Cons: It is strictly for translation—you can’t use these to listen to music or take phone calls.
4. The All-in-One Powerhouse: Bragi Dash Pro
Bragi was one of the first companies to master true wireless earbuds, and their partnership with the iTranslate app has made the Dash Pro a serious contender in the translation space.
- How they work: By integrating with the iTranslate app on your smartphone, the Dash Pro allows you to hear translations in real-time.
- The Pros: These are the best "all-around" earbuds on the list. They are waterproof, have onboard music storage, and feature fitness tracking.
- The Cons: The translation feature requires a subscription to the iTranslate service, which is an additional ongoing cost.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you toss your pocket dictionary away, keep a few things in mind:
- Internet Dependency: Almost all of these devices require a steady 4G or Wi-Fi connection to process the translation through their respective clouds. If you’re in a remote village with no signal, they may not work.
- The "Lobby" Lag: We aren't quite at "instant" yet. There is usually a 1-to-3-second delay while the AI processes the sentence.
- Etiquette: Giving a total stranger a used earbud to put in their ear can be a bit awkward! The "shared earbud" model works best with friends, colleagues, or very patient locals.
The Verdict
If you already own a Pixel phone, the Google Pixel Buds are a no-brainer. However, if you want the most seamless "sci-fi" experience for actual conversations, the Timekettle WT2 is leading the pack in innovation.
2018 has laid the groundwork. As AI continues to learn and processing speeds increase, the language barrier is set to crumble even further. Happy travels!