Google Translate adds AI model selector, Practice mode, one-handed UI

Google Translate is poised to receive a major AI-forward update suite, including a new model selector, a gamified Practice mode, and a redesigned user interface aimed at one-handed use. Spotted in the latest Android app build, version 9.15.114, the changes center on giving users a choice between faster translations or more accurate results powered by Gemini AI, while also introducing features that hint at Translate’s evolving role beyond simple word-for-word conversions.

A key element of the update is the introduction of a model picker labeled Fast and Advanced. The Fast option is designed for quick lookups and casual use, prioritizing speed, while the Advanced option leverages Gemini to deliver translations with greater accuracy and contextual understanding. In early testing, the Advanced model currently supports a limited set of language pairs, notably English paired with French and Spanish, with more language coverage anticipated in time. The model selector appears both above the translation results and within the translation page, emphasizing Google’s intention to make model choice a routine part of the workflow.

Alongside the model differentiation, Google is implementing a...