Google Translate has reached its 20th anniversary, having launched in 2006 as a modest experiment. The service now supports approximately 250 languages and more than 60,000 language pairs, catering to 95% of the global population. Unsurprisingly, the most frequently used language pair is English to Spanish, while the top translated phrase is "thank you."
Each month, over 1 billion people utilize Google Translate, resulting in more than 1 trillion words being translated. To commemorate its 20th birthday, Google is introducing one of the most sought-after features: pronunciation practice.
The feature is showcased in the video above and is currently rolling out in the Google Translate app on Android, initially available in the US and India for English, Spanish, and Hindi. Utilizing AI technology, it analyzes user speech and offers immediate feedback on areas for improvement, ensuring accurate pronunciation.
Google claims it has leveraged AI to effectively capture challenging idioms, local slang, and the nuanced context of various languages. Regular users of the Practice feature employ it for speaking exercises that include interactive scenarios, helping them gain the confidence to converse naturally in real-world situations.
