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Google Translate finally gets the Android 12 treatment and it's actually useful now

By Aleksandar Anastasov

Published: Apr 29, 2022, 3:37 AM

Android Google

Google Translate finally gets the Android 12 treatment and it's actually useful now

With its arrival, Android 12 brought about many changes to the operating system both visually and functionally. One of the more obvious improvements with widgets is them blending in seamlessly with the rest of the UI thanks to Material You. What’s more, many of them now offer more utility.

Of course, the first to benefit from Android 12’s new design was Google’s own applications, such as Google Drive, Gmail, Maps, and even YouTube. Not all of the first-party apps received a refresh, though, so there is still more to look forward to.

Google Translate is the latest app to receive the Android 12 treatment from Google. Until now, users only had a rather lack-luster 1x1 widget option to add to their home screen that they could link as a shortcut to access the camera, conversation, text, or write mode.

Images by Mishaal Rahmaan

Images by Mishaal Rahmaan

In contrast, the new Google Translate widget not only looks much more pleasing but also offers much more possibilities for interaction. Depending on how you size it, you are now able to directly use the conversation, transcribe, voice translation, and camera modes.

At its maximum size, the widget can display up to four quick actions. The widget has a top row that displays your current language and clipboard shortcut, while the bottom one shows the available quick actions.

As you might expect, however, the widget only makes use of Material You’s Dynamic Color theming only on devices with Android 12 and later, which takes the most prominent color from your current wallpaper.

Google’s tweet announcing the new Google Translate widget does not do much to specify how long it would take until everyone gets the update. That being said, you should receive the new widget sooner or later and be able to enjoy its new functionality and improved design. We are excited to test it out ourselves.

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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.