Timekettle CEO Leal Tian compares it to an entire UN General Assembly meeting being translated by a simple $699 device…
Over the past few years, Timekettle has really carved its niche into the translation industry. Translating speech is usually seen as a feature, not an entire category in itself, as companies like Google and Microsoft have integrated it into their larger offerings for meetings and calls… however, Timekettle solidified its vision as a company that puts translation front and center. First building their repertoire with TWS earbuds like the M3 and the WT2 Edge before moving onto handheld translator devices like the Fluentalk T1 Mini, the company is now broadening their hardware lineup and their horizons with the X1 Interpreter Hub, a multi-device translation solution that offers multi-language translation both online as well as offline for business ad education.
Timekettle has a history of advancing translation hardware, and the X1 Interpreter Hub is a culmination of user feedback and technological advancements. The device offers an all-in-one design that requires no additional apps or complex setups. Its primary function is to enable real-time translation for one-on-one conversations or multi-language meetings, making it a versatile tool for various communication needs.
The individual modules pair simply by touching them to connect.
At its core, the X1 boasts an advanced simultaneous translation engine capable of handling multiple languages both online and offline. This flexibility is crucial in a world where internet access can be unreliable. The device’s patented Vector Noise Reduction algorithm is a standout feature, ensuring that translations are not only swift but also clear and accurate, even in noisy environments.
The X1 offers five versatile translation modes:
Face-to-Face Conversation Mode: This mode allows two people to speak back and forth in their native languages, with the X1 providing instantaneous translation.
Group Meeting Mode: Designed for multilingual meetings, this mode can connect multiple X1 devices, allowing each participant to follow and contribute in their preferred language.
Listen Mode: Ideal for lectures or speeches, this mode translates what’s being said into your language in real-time.
Speak Mode: This turns the X1 into a handheld translator, useful for quick translations in informal settings.
Voice Call Translation: For remote communication, this mode translates phone conversations on the fly, making every word clear and comprehensible.
Understanding the need for record-keeping in business and education settings, the X1 comes with a built-in recording feature. This allows users to save important conversations, lectures, or meetings for later review. Privacy is also a paramount concern, and the X1 addresses this with a secure data erasure feature, ensuring that all recorded content can be permanently deleted as needed.
Moreover, Timekettle is also promising exciting additional features via OTA upgrades, including the ability to actively audio-translate videos in real-time (something that Spotify and YouTube still haven’t figured out), as well as AI voice cloning, which allows translated speech to play in the same voice as the speaker. This makes real-time arguments more fun, suggests Timekettle CEO Leal Tian!
The X1 Interpreter Hub sports a sleek, compact design that belies its powerful capabilities. It’s built to be portable, ensuring that effective communication isn’t confined to a single space. The device’s intuitive interface allows for easy operation, a critical feature when navigating the complexities of multiple languages. Additionally, its robust construction means it’s designed to withstand the rigors of travel and frequent use, making it a reliable companion for business professionals, educators, and travelers alike.
“Our vision at Timekettle sets us apart from other players in the market, focusing on differentiation in product design and development direction. We strive to develop the best communication solutions to address real-life user cases and encourage proactive engagement in different languages,” says Leal Tian.
Priced at $799, the X1 Interpreter Hub is a premium offering in the translation device market. This price reflects its advanced features and the value it provides in professional and educational settings. Set to be released at CES 2024, it will be available on Timekettle’s official website and Amazon.
It’s safe to say that the pandemic is now behind us and that all those dormant travel plans from 3 years ago are finally becoming much more easy to execute. The world has changed a lot in the last few years, however… technology has united us, blurring boundaries and allowing us to experience the world like never before. This collection of gadgets embodies technology’s ability to push your boundaries and help you be a global citizen. We’ve got some incredible translators from the award-winning folks at Timekettle, whether you’re a traveler, an expat, a student, or someone working at a multinational corporation. Alongside those, we’ve also got a handful of charging gadgets, productivity tools, classy watches, everything you need to be the ace traveler, worker, and communicator!
1. Timekettle M3 – 3-in-1 Translator Earbuds
These aren’t your average TWS Earbuds – they’re more akin to those fancy ear-worn translator gadgets you’ve seen in sci-fi action and spy movies. Pop the M3 in and it actively translates languages for you, making it perfect to discreetly understand foreign speech without the cumbersome practice of holding up a phone or translator device so someone can talk into it. The M3 sports a unique split-case design that opens into two halves with one earpiece each. This facilitates a kind of verbal ‘breaking of bread’, where you share one half of the M3 with someone who you can converse with, in what Timekettle calls Touch Mode. The Listen and Speaker modes rely on your smartphone too, enabling one-way or even two-way communication using your smartphone’s screen and microphone in tandem. The M3 actively translates 40 languages and 93 accents in real-time (with offline translation for 8 major languages). Given the wearable nature of the device, it also sports ANC, EQ tuning abilities, and still boasts 95% accuracy with a negligible 0.5-second delay that allows for smooth conversations. Given its portable nature and budget-friendly price, the M3 is perfect for the casual traveler or a foreign student on a budget. It pairs with Timekettle’s smartphone app, which is available on both Android and iOS.
Wear the earbuds and you can suddenly understand almost every language. As fairytale-like as that sounds, it’s pretty much the premise of the M3. The different Modes allow you to use the M3 in a variety of ways, making it perfect for work calls with overseas colleagues/clients/vendors, foreign travelers speaking to locals, listening to performances in foreign languages, attending lectures/classes, or even interacting with local authorities without a language barrier.
What we like
It looks like your average pair of TWS earbuds, but the M3 is a world-class in-ear translator that also happens to play music, answer calls, and listen to podcasts!
The split-case design turns the stereo earbuds into individual mono headsets
Perfect for travelers, students abroad, and people looking to learn/understand new languages
What we dislike
No option to tailor EQ for podcasts or music
2. Nothing-inspired Power Bank Concept
This concept for the London-based Carl Pei venture is an accessory anyone would love to have handy. The see-through aesthetics of this power bank adapted from the Nothing Phone (2) are well complemented by the diffused LED lighting on all sides to lend it a futuristic look. The speed of the hard disk is displayed on top adjacent to where you’ll find all the ports to connect your power-hungry gadgets. To keep up with the likes of Seagate, Western Digital, and SanDisk – the compact Nothing external HDD concept should be offered in a comparative capacity – starting from 2TB and going all the way up to 8TB.
Why is it noteworthy?
Gen-Z users will always choose an option that is aesthetically pleasing and cool to show off among peers. With the Nothing’s see-through power bank, there’s a huge potential audience base that can be lured to create the initial buzz.
What we like
A refreshing design that challenges the competition
Made out of lightweight and durable material
What we dislike
No lanyard tether for easy carrying
3. Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini – Travel Translator Device
This tiny handheld device is your passport to effortless communication across languages. Styled somewhat like a smartphone with its own touchscreen, camera, microphone, and speaker system, the T1 Mini unlocks the power of instant translation for audio, text, and images, eliminating the need to even take your phone and power the Google Translator app. It handles 36 languages and even works with 88 accents, offering offline translation for 13 popular languages. The standout feature is its 5MP camera that translates 39 languages from signs, menus, and more. For conversations, the T1 Mini works as a two-way translator, converting multiple languages into text and speech to facilitate an easy conversation. The lag is practically negligible with 95% accuracy, thanks to Fluentalk’s built-in translation engine.
Inferring from its name, the T1 ‘Mini’ is the size of a credit card, fitting in your pocket for instant access. It comes powered by a 1500mAh battery, it offers seven days of use on a full charge. Plus, you get one year of free global data, making it ideal for international adventures.
The Fluentalk T1 Mini eliminates the need to open your phone, fire the translator app, make sure you’re connected to the internet, or have the language pack downloaded. It offers one-button translation, simplifying the entire process down to a single click. The T1 Mini also comes with free global data and offline translation, eliminating the need to look for free WiFi while abroad. It’s compact, affordable, and could potentially be an absolute life-saver on your trips!
What we like
One-button translation & instant activation make it easy to use, regardless of age or experience
Compact credit card-sized design
Ability to understand even accents with 95% accuracy
What we dislike
The 2.8-inch screen might feel a little too small for some people
4. UFO Magsafe Charger Concept
There are the usual MagSafe chargers and then there is the UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger that is destined to turn eyeballs. If you want to have the same functionality that the third-party options by Belkin, Mophie, Anker, and Satechi offer but with that oomph factor, then look no further. The concept design has a cute little UFO riding on the back of your iPhone 15 and you would be tempted to turn down your phone every time it runs out of juice just to have a look at that cute little being on the back. So, In a way, it keeps you from instinctively checking the device for any new notifications.
Why is it noteworthy?
The aesthetic appeal of the MagSafe charger adds fun to your smartphone charging routines and we bet you won’t get bored of it.
What we like
The ambient light that surrounds the UFO every time you juice up your device
What we dislike
The UFO rounded shape does not give the best grip to hold onto while using your phone when charging
For more serious globetrotters, immigrants/expats, and international business travelers, the T1 is the Mini’s larger sibling, offering a sizeable 4-inch 1080p display that’s without compromise. It beefs up the hardware that the T1 Mini had with a quad-core chip that offers faster translation (0.2-second lag) with even better coverage, directly integrating into over 200 international networks. The T1 supports online audio translation for 40 languages and 93 accents, and an 8MP camera helps translate text in images across 36 different languages. A built-in multi-microphone array with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) makes the T1 perfect for conversations with local residents and law enforcement, waiters and hotel staff, international colleagues, clients, and investors, or even teachers and students on foreign campuses. The T1 also ships with a free 2-year global data plan that covers all your needs.
The Fluentalk T1 eliminates the need to open your phone, fire the translator app, make sure you’re connected to the internet, or have the language pack downloaded. It’s compact, purpose-built, and does its job like an absolute beast. Whether you’re a traveler or an expat, the T1 is perfect to have on you in a foreign land. Buh bye, Duolingo and Google Translate
What we like
As intuitive to use as a smartphone, without the added apps, notifications, and distractions
2 years of free global data
What we dislike
No external audio input or microphone jack for direct voice translation without a device connection
Has a ‘Swear Filter’ that won’t translate curse words
6. Momentum Watch
Time is relative, that is what we have learned and the designers at All Design Lab have found a way to convert the changing nature of time into a physical gadget. Named Momentum, this watch is almost a kinetic sculpture that adjusts its intensity of spinning based on your emotional and productivity state. For example, the time movement is faster or slower depending on whether the watch senses positive or negative behavior, conveying to the user that their time is being seized or wasted so they can adjust their actions accordingly.
Why is it noteworthy?
Momentum takes away from traditional time-telling, to make the entire experience to be ‘in the moment’. The aim is to double down on the time you have rather than spend it chasing notifications throughout the day and wondering, at the end where the time went!
What we like
The kinetic sculpture creates a soothing movement that can be almost meditative and help the user calm down if they feel themselves getting agitated
Using beautifully neutral tones, this gadget is almost a fashion wearable that is sure to be a conversation starter
What we dislike
The watch offers no option to switch or showcase the actual time, making the users rely on secondary devices and hence breaking the impactful habit they are creating with Momentum
7. Timekettle WT2 Edge – The World’s First Simultaneous Translator Earbuds
The WT2 Edge is the upgraded version of Timekettle’s first-ever product, the WT2. It assumes the shape of your everyday TWS Earbuds, but instead of just playing music or letting you answer calls, the WT2 Edge serves as a bi-directional translator device that works in real time. Just have two people pop one earpiece on and the WT2 Edge begins working, every person in the conversation can speak and listen to translated speeches from counterparts at the same time, offering active translations with unnoticeable lag. Like the M3, the WT2 Edge also works with 40 languages and 93 accents, relying on Timekettle’s AI along with 6 different translation engines to give you 95% accurate translations in under half a second. The earbuds also pack directional voice recognition and ambient noise canceling, picking up your speech with crystal clarity and without any interfering noise. Multiple usage modes allow you to interact freely with people around the globe, but the folks at Timekettle believe the WT2 Edge’s true prowess lies in the conference room. Aside from working in a physical meeting setup with as many as 6 people in the same room, Timekettle’s Group Chat software supports connecting as many as 30 users together, translating both audio and text across multiple languages, making it just perfect for international video calls with clients, colleagues, and investors all across the globe. A single click lets you export your chats too, proving to be ideal for important meetings as well as college lectures.
The WT2 Edge builds on Timekettle’s original vision – to blur the boundaries between different people around the world looking to collaborate together. The device assumes the form of a pair of TWS earbuds, but rather serves as an active translator that helps colleagues, clients, investors, vendors, and other stakeholders in the business to communicate freely regardless of what language they speak. The WT2 Edge is perfect for companies with branches overseas, and on the off chance you find yourself traveling, it’s great for understanding foreign languages as a tourist too!
What we like
As the world’s first Simultaneous Translator Earbuds, Simul Mode enables you to have seamless, real-time conversations as if the two people are speaking the same language
Four different translation modes to cater to all translation needs and scenarios
The ability to pair up to 30 devices in the Group Chat app
What we dislike
Only built for translation, not music.
8. COMM Productivity Manager
If you ever wanted a gadget that could bring your productivity back on track when working from home, this would be it. The COMM smart screen concept removes all the unnecessary distractions that come in the line of communication and online work. For instance, receiving an important mail on your computer and then getting lost down the rabbit hole with distracting apps. The portable touchscreen display designed for work-from-home fanatics focuses on smooth information flow and idea sharing, thereby creating a virtual office environment optimized for productivity.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can connect via video conferencing or audio chat with co-workers and clients directly on the simple interface. Scheduling meetings and getting prompt notifications don’t hamper current workflow which is another plus.
What we like
Distraction-free WFH gadget that keeps productivity in check
Ability to video chat and set meeting schedules right from the screen
What we dislike
Limited functionality that’ll only appeal to a particular set of users
9. Saint Antoine USB Drive
The USB flash drive is one accessory that is an absolute necessity for any kind of user – after all, everything is going digital and data is mostly stored that way. But by today’s standard, the USB flash drives are bigger in size even though some brands shave off the external housing size as a trade-off for durability. However, the Saint Antoine USB takes a detour from the usual design, fitting in perfectly between the keys of your laptop when not in use. This explains the branch-like shape of the accessory. The advantage of this unique shape, well, you never lose the USB drive, as most people are guilty of doing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The compact, thin size challenges existing products on the market. Makes good use of existing space for easy storage that otherwise is not the case with USB drives that are vulnerable to getting lost.
What we like
Slim design that solves a purpose
You can carry your USB drive anywhere without the fear of losing
What we dislike
The one-size-fits-all design is impractical as different laptops have different-sized layouts
10. Sydra Clock
In this digitally dominated world, how many times have we missed out on an opportunity because we forgot or were late for an appointment? Productivity is the trending keyword for all of us and while we are chasing that aim of getting our work-life balance right, we are usually lagging behind and leaving ourselves with a general feeling of dissatisfaction. The Sydra (after the ancient world’s accurate timekeeping device – Clepsydra) aims to help you manage life better by logging all your activities with the time at which you aim to fulfill them. Imagine it hanging in your work setup, giving you a gentle nudge towards your next goal while keeping track of the time spent on the current one. Combining the analog clock with a digital calendar, the Sydra offers an improved hands-free experience that makes time management a more phone-free task.
Why is it noteworthy?
Sydra’s hour hand is a constant reminder of the passage of time as it sweeps across your 12-hour schedule for the day, making space for the next activity or leisure time planned by you. Inspired by the ancient world’s most accurate timekeeping device (the clepsydra), the Sydra brings a bit of that ancient history to your modern room with effortless elegance.
What we like
Sydra can sync multiple calendars (of your family or different work schedules) to create a cohesive tracking/time management device
It is a functional piece of decor, giving you the best of both worlds
What we dislike
With a 12-hour system, Sydra cannot show the next 12 hours while you are approaching the end of the current 12-hour shift, leaving a gap in your time management
Created as a successor to the Design Intelligence Award-winning WT2 earphones, the Timekettle M2 are a pair of TWS earphones that have an unusual two-part design, the reason behind which becomes incredibly evident once you realize what they’re actually designed for.
There are two main components to any conversation – talking to a person, and listening to the person talk to you. It’s only natural that earphones designed to facilitate conversation would embrace those two parts, right? The Timekettle M2, in that regard, aren’t your standard TWS earbuds. Sure, they’re meant for listening to music and podcasts, or giving commands to your phone’s voice AI, but their prime feature is the ability to foster a multi-lingual two-way conversation by allowing two people to wear one earphone each as the M2’s on-board translation engine seamlessly fills in the gaps. The earphone case’s design revolves around that very aspect, with a design that splits right in two, so you can hand one half over to someone you’re talking to, almost like you’re breaking bread with them.
Built with the ability to actively translate up to 40 languages and 93 accents in realtime, the Timekettle M2 earbuds put a translator in the ears of both conversation-holders. The Timekettle M2 boasts of three different conversation modes that help you navigate a variety of situations – ranging from holding a conversation in a foreign language, asking for advice, or taking lessons in languages you don’t understand. In Touch Mode, tap the force sensor on the M2 earbud once, and you can have a conversation with someone in any language and your speech instantly plays back in a translated language to the person wearing the other earpiece. In other modes, the M2 earbuds work along with your phone, allowing you to not only record and translate excerpts in foreign languages, but also translate previously recorded audio files whenever you want.
All the translation happens courtesy the presence of 4 translation engines that actively work to identify and translate languages based solely on vocal input. Timekettle partnered with best-in-class language enterprises such as Google, Microsoft, iFlytek, and others to deliver fast and responsive translations that accurately capture the nuances and idiosyncrasies of regular speech across multiple languages and accent-types. More importantly, the M2 earbuds possess the ability to translate offline – a feature that’s accessible by downloading the Offline Speech Translation Pack on M2’s app.
When you’re not using the M2’s translator feature, it still serves as a pretty good pair of TWS earbuds. Built with Bluetooth 5.0, the M2 offer quick and unwavering connectivity, along with Qualcomm’s aptX Audio Codec Compression to deliver incredible sound. The M2 comes with all the trimmings of a good pair of TWS earbuds, with the ability to answer and reject calls, cycle through music playback, or summon your phone’s Voice AI using its touch-sensitive surface. The earphones are compatible with iOS as well as Android devices, and offer 30 hours of playback with the charging-case, and 6 hours of active translation. Comprende, amigo?
The Timekettle M2 is the world’s first real-time professional translation device allowing users to converse freely without cellular network restrictions.
Timekettle is known for their exclusive simultaneous translation technology – this technology allows users to speak freely in 40 languages and 93 accents. Every sentence will be translated and played directly in the other person’s ear – in real time.
Watch the video for an in-depth look of the Timekettle M2.
Offline Speech Translation
Users need to connect M2 with their free app and download the Offline Speech Translation Pack.
3 Translation Modes
Touch Mode – Simply touch the force sensor on the earbud when you want to speak, and the translation will play directly in the other person’s ear. The process is completely wireless, comfortable and natural.
Lesson Mode – Imagine being able to understand all the things you struggled to understand before. Activate the proprietary app, place your phone on the table and capture speech from lessons and movies with astonishing clarity. Their comprehensive engines will make sure every word is translated into your native language with the utmost accuracy.
Speaker Mode – The Timekettle M2 earbuds will recognize and translate your spoken sentences, then play them through the speaker of your phone. Want to respond? Simply tap the button on the app. Whether you are listening to music or making a phone call, this mode is extremely efficient for short questions and answers.
M2 Specs
When you are not connected with the app, you can use M2 for music and phone calls – it is the most versatile and capable translation earbuds.
Powered by the Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 chip, the Timekettle M2 delivers an intelligent, high-responsive playback, all while delivering a consistent and reliable connection to any devices.
The aptX Audio Codec Compression offers incredible sound transmission to make sure you get the very most from your music.
The team examined hundreds of ear sizes in laboratory settings for the most universally appealing secure-fit ergonomic curvature for their device.
The Timekettle M2 supports up to 6 hours of listening and translating on a single charge – and their wireless charging case can power up to 30 hours of extra battery life. It’s a compromise-free solution designed to keep you and your device on the go tirelessly.
Designed to keep up with you at all times. The Timekettle M2 features an IPX4 laboratory-proven sweat- and water-resistant rating for the unpredictables.
When connected to your smartphone, you can tap either side of the M2 to activate the voice assistant – responsive and accessible. To deliver fast and responsive translations, the team has partnered with best-in-class language enterprises such as Google, Microsoft, iFlytek, and others. They have also deployed a total of 14 high-speed servers across the globe to maximize your success.
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A few years ago, we featured Vocre, a mobile app that translates speech from one language to another using your mobile device as a display, a microphone and a speaker. A new company called Waverly Labs claims it’s working on a more elegant solution that uses wireless earphones.
Waverly Labs’ Pilot earphones still need a mobile device and an app to function, but at least you don’t have to hold up your phone between you and your buddy. That makes it easier to use while you’re on the go and makes conversations less awkward. Waverly Labs founder Andrew Ochoa says Pilot came out of his desire to communicate better with his French girlfriend. According to designboom, Pilot “will initially support Latin, French and Germanic languages, followed by other world languages, including Slavic, Hindi and East Asian.”
Waverly Labs claims that you won’t need a data connection to use Pilot’s translating features, and you’ll also be able to use it as normal earphones and listen to music and other audio with it.
Futurism says Pilot will go on sale next year for $410 (USD), but before that Waverly Labs will launch a crowdfunding campaign for the device on Indiegogo.
The French-, German-, Italian- and Spanish-speaking versions of Microsoft's voice assistant Cortana are now much better travel companions. Just like their English- and Chinese-speaking counterparts, these versions can now instantly translate words an...
Microsoft updated its Translator app to support offline translation on Android back in February, and it's just added the same feature to the iOS version. Like the Android app, the translation works by way of deep learning. Behind the scenes a neural...
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Messenger's built-in AI is getting a new trick. The M digital assistant will suggest translating a message to your native language if you get a message via Marketplace in a different tongue. It'll start with English to Spanish and roll out to users i...
Like many translation apps, Microsoft Translator has only used AI to decipher phrases while you have an internet connection. That's not much help if you're on a vacation in a place where mobile data is just a distant memory. Well, you won't have to...
You may want to install Microsoft Translator if you're going to Japan and your vocabulary is limited to "Konnichiwa," "Ohayou" and "Notice me senpai." The app can now turn your spoken words into Nihongo to help you get around the country. Translator...
The French-, German-, Italian- and Spanish-speaking versions of Microsoft's voice assistant Cortana are now much better travel companions. Just like their English- and Chinese-speaking counterparts, these versions can now instantly translate words an...
Microsoft updated its Translator app to support offline translation on Android back in February, and it's just added the same feature to the iOS version. Like the Android app, the translation works by way of deep learning. Behind the scenes a neural...
Look, we all know Xerox doesn't make the most exciting products, but its new Easy Translator Service is pretty cool. So long as you have one of its ConnectKey-enabled multifunction printers, you don't even have to type out the text you want to transl...