If you have a newer android pixel phone you can use the Live Google Translate app on your phone to translate in real time. There are some limits, but it works well.
The first limitation you will face is the audio input. One solution is to place the phone near the speaker. That works…if he/she stays still. Another is to use a wireless microphone like the R0DE mini.
Note: Suggested Equipment provides a detailed list of equipment and adapters.
The R0DE device has an 1/8 stereo output. This requires an adapter for your phone (most only have a USB C connector).
My setup includes a USB C to 1/8 inch plug plus an 1/8 inch stereo splitter cable. I put the microphone receiver into the microphone input and do not use the audio out. Instead, I output to a bluetooth headset.
The limit to this is that you can only output to two headsets. This may be enough.
If you get this to work for you and need more headphones there are some great solutions.
The easiest solution is to purchase a set of what is commonly called “Silent Disco” headsets and the transmitter. A set of ten headphones with transmitter is about $500. Instead is using BlueTooth output, connect the stereo cable to the transmitter directy.
Advantages
- If you have a Google Live Translate capable android phone, you already have the hardward.
- There are not fees or time limits at this time for Google Live Translate.
- With an adapter and a wireless microphone you have an inexpensive setup
- Setup can be impromptu.
Limitations
- The phone (or tablet) cannot be used and cannot take calls or texts during the meeting.
- The limit is two headphones before you must buy additional equipment.
- This does not work with iphone, mac, or pc.
- Note: It can work for one user on iPhone 15 plus or newer version with apple AirPods only
- This is local only (not streaming).
This was our first successful effort to provide live translation in a meeting.
Thanks to Juan Cruz and Venu Divyakolu for making this work.
This is from Google Support. I could not get a working link so I pasted it for now.
Use Live Translate with headphones
Important:
- Only Android users in the US, IN and MX can access Live Translate with headphones.
- To use Live translate with headphones, connect any brand of headphones to your Android mobile device.
- Make sure that your device is on the latest app version.
To listen to audio in a language that you don’t understand, connect your headphones to your mobile device and listen to real-time translations in a language that you do understand.
- On your Android phone or tablet, connect your headphones.
- Open the Translate app .
- At the bottom, tap Live translate.
- Under ‘Their language’, select a language that you understand.
- If you’re unsure of the language, select Auto Detect.
- Under ‘Your language’, select your preferred language or the language that you want to hear on your headphones.
- To translate, tap Start.
- At the bottom left, tap the drop-down menu.
- Select a mode to let you listen, have a conversation or just read a transcript:
- Listening mode: Translate continuously listens and translates to your desired language to your headphones.