Google Begins Testing Live Translate Feature in Circle for Search

Circle to Search has come a long way since its debut on the Galaxy S24 Ultra in January 2024. It has evolved into a handy tool that performs a wide range of tasks on your screen with surprising efficiency. Now, Google is testing a new live translate feature in Circle to Search.

Circle to Search might finally make our lives easier with this live translate feature

Dubbed Live Translate, the feature can translate text on the screen as it appears. Imagine using an app in a language you don’t know, with no option to switch to English. This includes videos, GIFs, and other content that updates in real time. As of now, Android Authority reports that it’s rolling out to select users.

The feature is still in beta. Early tests (via Android Authority) show that translations only appear briefly. The crop option, which is supposed to translate just part of the screen, doesn’t work reliably yet. Google has not shared details on how well it performs with videos or other dynamic content. You can check out some screenshots, courtesy of AssembleDebug.

Live Translate is integrated into Circle to Search’s app drawer, alongside tools like screen translation and song recognition. When activated, a floating overlay appears. Users can select their preferred language, move the overlay around, or minimize it to view the text behind it. The feature can be set to work across the whole screen or just within specific apps.

If it functions as intended, Live Translate could make it much easier to understand foreign-language videos, messages, and websites without copying and pasting text. The feature also hints at a future where mobile devices can translate content instantly, breaking down language barriers for people who work or travel internationally.

One drawback so far is that it requires an active internet connection to run. While not a major issue, it would be nice to see this work offline, especially as phones come with increasingly powerful processors.