Google's New Translating Headphones, Pixel Buds, Will Help You Understand 40 Languages Instantly

Google has always been helpful for travelers, giving us the ability to search cheap flights, find the best restaurants in a new city, and map our journeys. But now the tech giant is upping the ante by introducing its latest, and possibly greatest, invention for travelers: instant translation headphones.

On Wednesday, Google unveiled its Pixel Buds, which look just like small, simple headphones anyone can pop into their ears. Except they are way, way more powerful.

Related: 17 Tech Gadgets T+L Editors Never Travel Without

At the demo, two Google employees explained that the wearer can listen to up to 40 different languages and the words will be instantly translated into the headphones. Then, when they answer, the person they are speaking to will hear their translation via the headphone’s front-facing speakers.

Related: Your Phone Can Now Translate Japanese Instantly

The earbuds, Google noted, come in a pocket-sized charging case that provides up to five hours of listening time on a single charge. But the case holds multiple charges, meaning a user can get up to 24 hours of listening time in. The earbuds come in three colors: white, blue, and black.

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But the best part is the price. Google’s translating earbuds will hit the market this November for just $159, which any world traveler will tell you is well-worth the price to be able to have meaningful and easy conversations across the globe.

And while we sort of want to tell you to run out and buy them right this second, it is key to note that this idea has been tried — and failed — before. So perhaps wait for the November release to test them out for yourself before dropping your hard-earned cash on the buds.

Or, if you’re really motivated, $159 is about three or four sessions with a language tutor, so maybe give that a try first.