Google Translate Update Turns App Into Gemini-Powered AI Chatbot

Google has recently updated its Translate app, introducing new artificial intelligence capabilities that go beyond traditional text translation. The update adds an Advanced mode powered by Gemini, transforming the tool into an AI chatbot capable of interacting with users instead of simply converting text between languages.

According to reports from Android Central and feedback from early users, the new feature allows people to have conversational exchanges with Google Translate. This shift aims to improve contextual understanding, enabling the service to interpret slang, informal expressions, and language nuances more effectively. By integrating conversational AI, Google appears to be positioning Translate as a more flexible communication assistant rather than just a translation utility.

However, the rollout has also introduced some usability concerns. Users have noticed that when they input a question intended for translation, the Advanced mode may interpret the text as a direct instruction or prompt. Instead of delivering a straightforward translation, the chatbot may respond to the content itself, creating confusion and forcing users to provide additional clarification.

This behavior can reduce the efficiency of the translation process and may expose limitations related to prompt interpretation. In certain scenarios, it undermines the original goal of making translation faster and more intuitive. Until improvements are implemented, some users recommend switching back to the Classic mode, which focuses exclusively on standard translation without chatbot-style responses.

The update arrives amid growing competition in the AI translation space. In mid-January, ChatGPT introduced a new translation service with more advanced capabilities designed to challenge established tools like Google Translate. As companies continue integrating advanced AI into language services, the line between translation apps and conversational assistants is becoming increasingly blurred.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), Gemini AI, Google, Google gemini and Google Translate.