Apps

AI upgrades Google Translate with 110 new languages

Published

5 months ago

June 27, 2024

Google today announced to upgrade Translate with 110 new languages. The company revealed that it’s using PaLM 2 large language model to bring support for 110 new languages to Google Translate.

Here’s what AI does in Translate:

Romani is a language that has many dialects all throughout Europe. Google’s AI models produce text that is closest to Southern Vlax Romani, a commonly used variety online. But it also mixes in elements from others, like Northern Vlax and Balkan Romani.

PaLM 2 was a key piece to the puzzle, helping Translate more efficiently learn languages that are closely related to each other, including languages close to Hindi, like Awadhi and Marwadi, and French creoles like Seychellois Creole and Mauritian Creole.

Google Translate

Newly supported languages in Google Translate:

Afar is a tonal language spoken in Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Of all the languages in this launch, Afar had the most volunteer community contributions.

Cantonese has long been one of the most requested languages for Google Translate. Because Cantonese often overlaps with Mandarin in writing, it’s tricky to find data and train models.

Manx is the Celtic language of the Isle of Man.

NKo is a standardized form of the West African Manding languages that unifies many dialects into a common language.

Punjabi (Shahmukhi) is the variety of Punjabi written in Perso-Arabic script (Shahmukhi).

Tamazight (Amazigh) is a Berber language spoken across North Africa.

Tok Pisin is an English-based creole and the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea.

Apps

Google Maps lets you report traffic jams and accidents on Apple CarPlay, but not on Android Auto

Published

4 months ago

July 18, 2024

I_judge

Google just added a feature that lets you report accidents, slowdowns, and other road issues directly from your car’s display. Well, it is currently limited to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay.

Similar to Waze, Google Maps on CarPlay now has a button to report accidents, slowdowns, construction, lane closures, stalled vehicles, objects on the road, and even speed traps. Just like before, you can still see reports from other drivers about these issues on your route.

By reporting issues, you can help other drivers avoid traffic jams and accidents. With everyone contributing information, Google Maps can provide more accurate traffic conditions and ETAs.

Unfortunately, Android Auto users are still left out. We’ve been asking Google to add this feature for a while now, so hopefully it’s coming soon!

This feature is new and might not be available to everyone yet. In the meantime, stay safe on the roads and report any issues you see on Google Maps if you’re using CarPlay.

Apps

Google working on a new video editing feature for its Photo app

Published

4 months ago

July 16, 2024

I_judge

Google Photos app is about to take your video editing a step further. A hidden feature found in app version 6.90 hints at an upcoming video speed editor (via Android Authority). This means you’ll be able to ditch third-party apps and adjust video playback directly within Google Photos.

The video editor offers various speeds like 1/4x for super slow-mo or 4x for fast-forwarding. You can even choose to adjust the entire video or just a specific section, perfect for highlighting key moments. It’s still under development, so expect a more user-friendly icon instead of the current “1x” placeholder.

Additionally, future updates might allow you to fine-tune the speed of different parts within the same video for even more control.

This upcoming video speed editor marks a significant upgrade for Google Photos, making it a more comprehensive video editing tool. Keep an eye out for this update to add some fun and flexibility to your video editing experience.

Apps

Google Contacts app testing new Besties Widget

Published

5 months ago

July 4, 2024

Tom Carter

Contacts app’s version 4.35 suggests that Google is working on a Besties Widget. The app’s forthcoming Besties Widget has the exact layout as the Favorite widget and shows starred contacts.

9to5Google spotted that Google Contacts for Android will soon get a new Besties Widget. Meanwhile, the APKTeardown has not revealed the functionality or widget design.

It is expected that the new Besties Widget will replace the Favorite widget. As of now, the widget hasn’t reached its functional stage, however, a future update to the app will bring significant development.

It is assumed that the widget’s development is currently in quite early phases. Recently, the Contacts app updated its individual contact widget with the ability to display notifications.

You can download the app from the Google Play Store for your Android device for free.