You have a question. The person across from you has the answer. You just don't speak the same language.
That could happen with a customer, a supplier or someone helping you while you're travelling. Sometimes you find a way through. Sometimes the conversation ends before it really starts.
This is one use of AI that I find genuinely exciting. Helping people understand each other has value almost anywhere you look. Business matters, of course. So does being able to ask a question, explain what you need or get to know someone.
Lost in Translation is a familiar title for a frustrating problem. I'd like to see more of us found in translation: able to start a conversation and understand enough to keep it going.
Real-time speech translation in Google Meet
Google announced a major expansion of Meet speech translation on October 22. It supports 63 languages, including English and French, with automatic detection of the language being spoken. Participants can choose the language they want to hear.
This translates speech into speech. You can listen to a translated voice rather than rely only on written captions. The feature uses Gemini 3.5 Live Translate and works on the web and in the updated Android and iOS Meet apps.
Availability still depends on the account and rollout. Scheduled Release customers begin receiving the expansion on November 2, with rollout taking up to 15 days. Don't assume every account has it today. Google's October announcement
Does everyone need a paid plan?
For an eligible scheduled Meet meeting, the organizer's plan can make speech translation available to guests. Your guests do not each need to buy their own qualifying subscription.
Google AI Pro and several Workspace plans, including Business Standard and Plus, have a 90-minute translation limit per meeting. Google AI Ultra and certain higher-access options allow up to eight hours. These are translation limits, not necessarily the length of the meeting itself.
People must enable the feature and consent to having their voice translated. Expect a few seconds of delay, and remember that translation errors are possible. Google's requirements and limits
There is also a separate direct-calling mode in Meet. In a direct one-to-one Meet call, either participant's eligible plan can qualify the call. That rule should not be applied to every scheduled meeting with two people. Meet calls and meetings explained
Live translation during iPhone and Samsung calls
You might not need a new meeting tool for every conversation. Apple and Samsung also offer translation during supported phone calls.
Apple iPhone
Apple brought Live Translation to iOS 26 in September 2025. On a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence enabled, start a one-to-one Phone call, tap More, choose Live Translation, select the language and start. Both callers are told that translation is active. The translation runs on the device. Apple's Canadian setup guide
The catch is compatibility. Installing iOS 26 alone is not enough; you need an Apple Intelligence-compatible model, such as an iPhone 15 Pro or a later supported model. Check Apple's list before buying anything. Apple Intelligence requirements
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung introduced Live Translate with the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024. Support has since extended to selected other Galaxy models. Set up Live Translate under Galaxy AI and Call assist, download the languages, then use Call assist during a supported call. Only one caller needs to activate it. Samsung setup and supported devices
For Canadian readers, the language details matter. Samsung lists both Canadian and European French; Apple's Phone feature lists French from France. Test the language and accent you actually use rather than assume every version works the same way.
Google Translate also offers a conversation mode that listens through the microphone and plays translations through the speaker or headphones. That's a separate setup from the built-in phone-call features above. Google Translate conversation help
Where could this help a small business?
Think about conversations that are harder than they need to be.
- An Ottawa shop owner could explore working with a French-speaking supplier in Quebec.
- A contractor could discuss an appointment with a customer who is more comfortable in another language.
- A small manufacturer could ask an overseas supplier about an order, then confirm the specifications in writing.
You would still need to check whether the tool understood the product names, measurements and local expressions. A smooth voice does not tell you that the details are right.
Those are opportunities to test, rather than proven sales results. The benefit to test is simple: did both people understand enough to take the next step?
Personal uses matter too. Asking about a hotel booking, speaking with a relative's friend or sorting out a delivery can become less intimidating when you have help with the language.
Try one ordinary conversation first
Start with a low-pressure situation and someone willing to test it with you.
- Check the device, plan and language pair before the call.
- Tell the other person you'll be using translation.
- Speak clearly, take turns and leave room for the translated speech.
- Ask the other person to repeat the key point in their own words.
- Confirm names, amounts, dates and commitments in writing afterwards.
A confident-sounding translation can still be wrong. For a medical decision, legal agreement or other situation where a mistake could cause harm, use a qualified interpreter or translator. Decide what information is suitable for the tool before sharing private details.
I want this to become available to everyone
Some phone translation features are already included on compatible devices. Samsung says its basic Galaxy AI features are free, although some enhanced or third-party features may have charges. Google Meet's speech translation still requires qualifying access. Hardware, connectivity and ordinary calling costs also matter. Samsung's Canadian Galaxy AI information
My hope is that access keeps widening, until price and device choice stop being such a barrier. I can't wait for a time when people can use this freely for business and personal conversations alike. There is no announced universal free-release date behind that hope.
Language is part of who we are. We should be able to keep it and still talk to each other.
For business owners, the useful first step is to try a real conversation and see what improves. A short test can reveal whether the feature helps, whether staff need practice, and which conversations should stay with a person. Salient AI helps teams choose and set up practical uses through AI consulting and AI support for business administration.
What conversation would you have if language were less of a barrier?
Created with the help of AI. Sources checked October 28, 2026. Features, supported languages and plans can change.