If you’re ever in a foreign country and need to ask a question in a language you don’t know, there’s an easy way to do it: just ask Alexa. Just open the Alexa app on your phone or computer, say “Alexa, open Live Translate,” and then start speaking your question. Alexa will start listening for the translation and display it on the screen. You can also use this feature when you’re watching TV or movies. Just say “Alexa, turn on subtitles” and then start watching your show. When you want to stop subtitles, just say “Alexa, turn off subtitles.” This is great for learning new languages too! Just say “Alexa, add this language to my list of favorites” and then start learning it right away. ..
Alexa’s Live Translation service performs well. During testing sessions, we spit rapid-fire phrases in English, Spanish, French, and Brazilian Portuguese, which Alexa was accurately able to translate within seconds of hearing them. Live Translation feels smooth and free of choppiness and unintended phrases. This is especially true with end-of-sentence breaks, which Alexa has become better at addressing over time.
Supported Languages on Live Translation
As of this writing in June 2021, Alexa supports six languages: English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. This means that each language can be translated with the other and vice versa. The tally compares poorly with Google’s 27 languages, but it’s a good start.
How to Use Alexa’s Live Translation Mode
Next, tell any Alexa-enabled device the wake phrase: “Translate [language].”
After Alexa provides a reminder that the conversation will be “recorded to the cloud to improve service” in both languages, you will hear a beep. Speak for up to 25 seconds, enunciating every syllable well.
Upon hearing the phrase(s) you need translated, Alexa will pause briefly before returning the translation.
When Alexa hears your translations, you will then have the option to recite a different phrase in either language. Expect another brief pause before that phrase is translated again by Alexa.
To stop the translation session, say “Stop.”
On Echo Show devices, translations will show a live transcript on the screen.
How to Review and Delete Translation Conversations
Alexa records and stores all translation conversations in the ‘Voice History’ section of the Alexa app. To review and delete these conversations, open the Alexa app, tap on “More” in the bottom menu bar, and tap Settings > Alexa Privacy > Review Voice History.
To delete a voice recording, click on the downward arrow next to each voice recording and click on “Delete Transcript” or “Delete Recording.”
You can also visit Alexa Privacy Settings on your desktop to execute all of these changes.
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