Google LLC has opened up the real-time translation feature to outside devices, seemingly giving up on trying to get people to buy its high-priced Pixel Bud earphones.

The feature, built into Pixel Buds (pictured) and launched alongside the Pixel 2 range last year, offers real-time translation from one language to another. For example, people visiting France while wearing the Pixel Buds would have the earphones translate what a person was saying to them in real time.

Spotted Saturday by Droid Life, a change to the terminology on the terms and conditions for Pixel Buds revealed the decision to allow third parties to use the technology.

“Google Translate is available on all Assistant-optimized headphones and Android phones,” where it used to say “Google Translate on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Pixel phones,” the report noted.

The change is noted as not coming as a great surprise, given that the LG Tone SE neckbuds launched in August had the feature built in. Essentially the change of terms is a reflection that Google was already willing to allow third parties to offer it. Whether dozens of Chinese manufacturers will be lining up to offer devices with translation built in is another matter.

Although some reviews claim that the real-time translation feature is amazing, like the underlying technology Google Translate, the feature has a lot to be desired when translating some languages, such as Thai, which is “officially supported” by the technology. Good or bad, there are 40 languages officially supported by technology that promises to deliver real-time translations.

Existing devices that have Google Assistant support built in may possibly support real-time translations as well, though it’s not clear at this point. Those devices include the “Bose QC35 IIs, Sony WH-H900N, or any of the other Assistant-powered headphones.”

Photo: Google