T-Mobile Real-Time AI Call Translation, 50 Languages Without an App

T-Mobile Real-Time Translation: 3 Key Takeaways

  • Real-time translation of 50+ languages on the network, no app needed
  • VoLTE-based, supporting 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi calls
  • Beta starts this spring, activate instantly by dialing 87

Phone Translation Without an App? You Bet!

T-Mobile has announced ‘Live Translation,’ an AI feature that translates phone calls in real-time. It supports over 50 languages and will be released as a beta this spring.[The Verge]

The key is that it operates at the network level. No specific app or the latest smartphone is required.[The Verge]

VoLTE is All You Need

T-Mobile President John Saw stated that the core requirement is a VoLTE connection. It works on VoLTE, VoNR, and VoWiFi.[The Verge]

Existing device translation on Galaxy or Pixel phones was limited to specific models. T-Mobile has eliminated device restrictions by bringing it to the network infrastructure.

Beta Participation and Privacy

Beta registration is open starting today. It’s activated by pressing 87 during a call and is free during the beta period.[The Verge]

Call recordings or logs are not saved. The explanation is that the data is immediately deleted after real-time translation.[The Verge]

A New Direction for Carrier AI Services

Call translation has primarily been handled on-device, like Samsung Galaxy AI or Apple iOS 26. T-Mobile is the first case of running AI on the network, eliminating device limitations.

Whether it will be a paid service is yet to be determined. It will be interesting to see how other carriers respond. Hope this helps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does T-Mobile Live Translation require a specific smartphone?

A: No. It operates at the network level, so no specific app or device is required. Any T-Mobile device that supports VoLTE can be used. T-Mobile has confirmed that it works with 4G LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi calls.

Q: Are call contents recorded or saved?

A: No, they are not saved. T-Mobile has stated that it only processes real-time translation and then immediately deletes the data. In terms of privacy protection, it adopts a policy similar to on-device processing methods.

Q: Will it be free after the beta?

A: Not yet determined. It is available at no additional cost during the beta period. There was no separate mention of the pricing policy after the official release. Since the general release is scheduled for later this year, we will have to wait for future announcements.


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