Translate in Real-Time with your Pixel 3 XL USB-C Earphones

by Popa Loredana · December 10, 2018

You know that Samsung and LG remain among the few smartphone manufacturers that still offer a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack in their phones. At the same time, Apple and other manufacturers think that the 3.5mm analog audio jack occupied too much valuable space inside devices. The headphone jack is gone for good in so many cases. So, what about Google?

Well, Google left us all a bit confused. It did dumped the headphone jack lack year with the Pixel 2, but there was no official pair of earphones. Who does that these days? We only had a Libratone headset, listed under the “Made for Google” program. Now, the Pixel 3 XL USB-C Earphones stays in your hand, so is it as good as expected?

Bundled in the box with the new Pixel 3 XL devices or available as a $30 purchase, it isn’t a real beauty. Some might say that it is the wired version of the wireless Pixel Buds from last year and do not like it. Howevever, I would hold down from criticism. I tested the Pixel USB-C earbuds with a variety of recent Android smartphones, including Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 and it worked nicely with the buds.

Some claim that the headset was not detected on OnePlus 6 running Android Pie, but this seems the only exception. If you have a smartphone with a USB-C jack that’s running on or should be upgraded to Android Pie, then the Pixel USB-C Digital Earbuds is a great investment. I am sure of that since the Pixel 3 XL USB-C earphones also let you reply to notifications via the earphones or translate in real-time.

More about Real-time Translation

Yes, you can also translate in real-time just like you do it with the wireless Pixel Buds. Who would have thought that these USB-C earphones could facilitate a conversation between two people who speak completely different languages? I can assure you of the fact that it’s perfectly possible.

All you have to do is hold the center button. Then, say “Help me speak Italian” if you want to speak or hear Italian. This feature immediately opens the Google Translate app for you to use the headset’s mic and Google Translate will do its magic. As you can guess, it will start displaying translated text on your phone. And besides that, it is also reading the message out loud in the proper language.

You’ll indeed have to keep the screen on while using the feature, but it’s a short while compromise. Don’t you think the same?