Google appears to be adding a new AI flavor to its Translate app. The company has been working on some AI upgrades in Translate for some time now. This includes a button that’ll deliver extra contextual info about translation results. Even before that debuts, Google seems to be working on another Translate feature, which will show alternatives to a translation.
Google Translate may soon show three alternative translations
Folks at Android Authority have spotted this new feature in the version 10.0.36.855137688.3 of Google Translate for Android. However, the feature is not directly visible in the app. Forcing the app to show the in-development “Understand” and “Ask” buttons tied to the extra contextual info feature that we spoke about above shows a new “Show alternatives” option right below the translation.
Tapping the button fetches three alternate translations, each with slightly different emphasis, like how to refer to business divisions mentioned in the report. While it would be better if Translate could automatically handle such nuances, it’s helpful to get some actual input in the translation process, especially for cases when the intended meaning isn’t clear.
Not visible yet, but it’s coming
Each alternative translation expands with more context on where you can use this translation. One challenge in many languages, especially unfamiliar ones, is how they handle formality, where the words you use change depending on the relationship with the listener. The “Show alternatives” will reportedly help users with some of those choices.
This new addition to Google Translate could be a major improvement in a while. The feature appears ready to go live, but it’s not clear when Google will finally pull the plug. This may go live alongside the “Understand” and “Ask” buttons.
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