Google has added a new practice mode to the Translate app. The feature creates short listening and speaking exercises that match your level and goals. Google also launched an improved live translate mode that can run real-time bilingual conversations in over 70 languages. These changes use Google Gemini models and are hitting the Translate beta on Android and iOS now.
What the new practice mode does
Practice mode is built for people who want to learn or practice a language by speaking and listening. The app asks about your skill level and your goals. Then it creates scenario-based lessons you can listen to or speak along with. The exercises track daily progress so you can see gains over time. At launch, the beta supports English speakers learning Spanish and French, and speakers of Spanish, French, and Portuguese learning English.
How to use the practice feature step by step
Open the Google Translate app on your mobile phone. Tap Practice in the app. Choose your language pair. Pick a skill level and a goal. Start a short listening or speaking exercise. Tap words you hear to build listening skills. Speak to the app to practice pronunciation. The app keeps a simple progress record for daily practice. These steps match Google guidance for the new beta.
What the live translate update offers
Live Translate now supports more than seventy languages. The app listens to both sides of a conversation. It shows transcripts in both languages and plays translated audio. Google said the feature handles pauses, accents, and natural speech patterns to make conversations flow. Live Translate is available first in the United States, India, and Mexico.
Why Gemini models matter here
Google says it used Gemini models to improve translation quality, speech recognition, and text-to-speech. That lets the app make clearer audio and better matching transcripts. Gemini also helps the practice mode create relevant scenarios and adapt to how a user performs over time. The change is part of Google’s wider push to add AI to core apps.
How this competes with Duolingo and other apps
Duolingo uses a game-based approach with many short lessons and streak tracking. Google Translate practice focuses on live speaking and listening inside a translation app that many people already use. Google does not aim to replace full-course platforms right away. Instead, Google is offering quick practical practice that ties into real translations and live conversations. The tools will appeal to travelers and casual learners as well as people who want to brush up fast.
Where and when you can try it
The practice and live features are in a beta release on Android and iOS. Google opened the update on August 26, 2025, and said availability will expand over time. At first, the language practice set is limited to certain language pairs, but Google plans to widen support as models improve. If you do not see the new options, update the app and check the Practice and Live Translate screens.
Privacy and real-world use notes
Google says the live translate tools use speech models that isolate sounds to help in noisy places like airports and restaurants. The company also notes that these features are powered by AI models that run on Google systems. If you use the tools for private topics, treat them like any cloud translation service and avoid sharing very sensitive data while testing. Google has long processed vast amounts of translation traffic, so it asks users to review privacy notices for Translate and for Google accounts when they try new features.
