This announcement was part of Google Cloud Next ‘24. Visit the Workspace Blog to learn more about the next wave of innovations in Workspace, including enhancements to Gemini for Google Workspace.

What’s changing

In continuing our effort to ensure Google Chat is your home for collaboration in Workspace, especially for global teams, we’re excited to introduce translate for me in Google Chat. 

As one of the most requested Gemini enhancements in Chat this year, translate for me will automatically detect and translate over 120 languages to a user’s preferred language. Rather than requiring users to navigate outside of Chat to translate a message, this update reduces friction and improves collaboration with colleagues, partners and customers in other parts of the world. 

translate for me in Google Chat


Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: 
    • Automatic translation via translate for me will be OFF by default. Turn ON the automatic translation setting at chat.google.com (web) or on your Android or iOS device by going to Settings > Automatic Translation > select the box for ‘Translate messages to your preferred language.’ 
      • This feature translates messages received into your preferred language (based on your Google account settings). Please allow up to 24 hours for this feature to update languages when languages are changed in your Google account settings. 
      • These translated messages are viewable only to you. 
    • Automatic translation only applies to message content inside the conversation stream and does not show up on message snippets in Home or notifications. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Automatic Translation in Chat.

Rollout pace 

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 13, 2024, with expected completion by January 7, 2025 
  • Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 15, 2025 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Gemini Business and Enterprise 
  • AI Meetings and Messaging 

Resources