Google Translate is testing a more expansive translation interface

If you miss Google Translate's full-screen translation feature, you might be about to experience it again. Google is testing a way to bring it back to its Android app. The feature was popular with frequent travelers and the visually impaired, but it was removed a while ago, leaving many users looking for alternatives.

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Previously, full-screen mode displayed the translated text in large white letters on a blue background, without distracting from the original content. It was convenient in real-world situations, such as showing a taxi driver an address from a distance or communicating in a noisy cafe. However, Google has not officially confirmed whether this feature will return, according to responses on the Google Translate support forum.

According to Android Authority, the new version (9.21.36.816661266.2) of the Google Translate app works a little differently. It still displays translations in large, full-screen text, but the interface looks more like a zoomed-in version of the regular translation screen than a separate mode. This is similar to the iOS version.

Suitable for live chat and translation on the go

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This is a small but useful change, especially when you are having a face-to-face conversation and have to show the phone to the other person. The large, clear screen makes it easy for others to read whether sitting far away or in a crowded environment.

The new full-screen option comes alongside a few other AI-related updates to the Translate app. Google is testing replacing the 'Ask a Follow-up' button with two options: 'Understand' and 'Ask'. The 'Understand' button helps users better understand the context of a translation, while the 'Ask' button allows users to ask follow-up questions or request more detailed explanations.

These changes are in line with Google's goal of making its translation tool more interactive and transparent. Currently, these features are still in testing and it is unclear when they will be officially released to all users.