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New technology could transform language learning and communication. Apple says its AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in real time. In addition, conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have major consequences for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could stop people from spending time and money on learning other languages. The technology is another example of how AI is changing jobs. Many teachers are worried about how real-time translation might affect their future.
Apple said its earbuds would help people communicate "seamlessly". It added the buds would overcome language barriers. The Live Translation feature will help us "across select languages when messaging or speaking". This is an example of science fiction becoming science fact. For decades, writers have written about real-time language translation tools. In the novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" there was a fictional "Babel fish". This was put in the ear to translate languages. The Japanese manga character Doraemon used a special jelly to translate any language.
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