
Looks like the war is getting more intense between Google and Amazon. Google has recently unveiled interpreter mode in Google Assistant, in a bid to outdo Amazon’s Alexa.
It’s the latest trick for the Assistant. On Tuesday at CES, the world’s largest technology show, Google unveiled the Assistant’s Interpreter mode.
Google is piloting the feature now at concierge desks at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The feature will be available first in smart displays with the Google Assistant built in. That includes Google’s own Home Hub, a smart home device announced in October. It also includes smart displays made by Google’s partners, including Lenovo, JBL and LG.
Eventually, Google wants to bring it to other devices, including smartphones.
The guys at CNET demonstrated the Interpreter mode and here’s how it works:
Say, “Hey Google, be my Thai interpreter.” You’ll hear a beep and the Assistant will tell you to start speaking. After you say your next sentence in English, you’ll hear another beep, then the software recites the sentence in Thai. The translated text is also displayed on the screen. The tool works in 27 languages, including Spanish, Czech, Hindi and Vietnamese.
“It’s very futuristic,” said Manuel Bronstein, vice president of product for the Assistant. “Our core focus is to make a product that can understand everything you say, can hear you, can convert those intents into actions and help you fulfill them.”
The Assistant’s Interpreter mode is rather similar to the Google translate app, but it’s meant to make it feel more natural. It worked without a hitch during a demo Google planned with a Caesars Palace concierge. There were some hiccups though as it is tested by those present. Sometimes you can get lost in the sequence of beeps because you’ll want to rush into an answer, which throws off the timing of the software. Google said it’s still trying to figure out the best rhythm of conversations.



