Science and Technology is really getting better by the day. A new phase has arrived in the world of communication. Now the need to learn different languages will be overridden by this new tech; Google Pixel bud. This device could revolutionize the way we communicate globally.
The announcement was made on 4th October at San Francisco. The device is meant to connect to your smart phone, which picks up voice signals and convert them to your preferred language (English by default).
This reminds me of a Sci-fi movie; first contact (I guess the movie was from 1940s novelette of Murray Leinster). References were made about the universal translator. But at that time, it was seen as a mere Sci-fi. But thanks to science, all that has changed. This tech has arrived in our midst.
I hope this translator will be able to translate Nigerian Igbo language into English language
My friend made a very humorous remark about this device. He said;
“If this device is tweaked extensively, it can translate Alien languages”
He believes aliens will contact us soon.
Mechanism of pixel bud
Pixel buds (or just called “earbuds”) are basically touch-controlled. It will be hooked together with google virtual assistant through your mobile phone.
Once a language is spoken near the bud, it will pick up the signal, and relay it to the virtual assistant, which translates it and sends it back to the bud. The bud will then “whisper” the translated voice directly into your ear (N.B This process happens in split seconds). Also, the battery, when fully charged, can last up to 5hrs of straight usage. Interesting, isn’t it?
I was about taking up a part time course on a foreign language, but I think this tech is way cooler than the need to learn a language. Pixel bud has got my back (that doesn’t mean I’m relying much on tech though). Or should I just go ahead and learn the language?
Someone could ask, how much does this tech go for?
Well, the release price is $159. I quickly converted this to my local Nigerian Naira and kobo; it’s a little bit on the high side (N57,240.00), but I guess it’s worth the price.
My view on this: It is quite an impressive tech, though I’m yet to try it out, and I hope to do so soon. Also, I hope the design took into consideration the variations in intonation of people’s voices? Also, when will more languages be added to this device?
You can also comment your views about this tech.
Thanks for reading
References for further reading: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3