Samsung announced a variety of updates designed to boost the audio capabilities of its devices, starting with the ability of Galaxy Buds that could facilitate communication in another language. The company launched a new feature called Live Translate with its Galaxy S24 series, which people can use as an interpreter for phone calls, for example, to a restaurant in a foreign country they are visiting. Soon, Galaxy S24 owners will be able to use their phone as a real-time translation tool for in-person conversations if they pair their devices with their updated Galaxy Buds.
When users listen to the other person through their headphones, they hear the words translated into their own language. Meanwhile, the other person can hear them in their language through the phone's speaker. The user can also change the speaking order during the conversation by tapping on their Galaxy Buds. Samsung claims this eliminates the need to swipe a phone back and forth when trying to converse in two different languages. When we tested Live Translate on the Galaxy S24 with a phone call, however, we experienced a noticeable lag before Samsung's computerized system interpreted our words. Still, it could be a valuable tool for travelers visiting foreign countries.
The company also revealed that it is expanding Auracast support to its phones and tables, including the Galaxy S24 series. Auracast is a Bluetooth technology that allows users to stream audio from devices, such as phones and TVs, to any number of nearby headphones, speakers, and headphones. Samsung initially made this technology available only for its smart TVs. With this Galaxy Buds update, owners will be able to use Auracast to stream audio from their mobile devices to multiple earbuds.
Additionally, Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Buds2 users will be able to enjoy 360 Audio if they pair their earbuds with select Samsung Neo QLED, QLED, and OLED TV models. In doing so, their headphones will be able to track their head movements for an immersive viewing or listening experience. Finally, Galaxy Buds2 Pro users will be able to use Samsung's Auto Switch feature to automatically switch their connection between the company's tablets, Galaxy Books and TVs and its phones if they need to take a phone call. These features will be available to Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2 and Buds FE users starting in late February.