Professional translators aren't worried about Google's language-translating headphones

In Douglas Adams’ “Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy” series, a Babel Fish is a small yellow fish that will automatically translate any language in the universe for you if you shove it in your ear.

In the real world, of course, that’s the job of interpreters and translators — tasked with the job of translating everything from corporate documents to geopolitical summits, helping out hapless tourists and the linguistically challenged around the world

But on Wednesday, Adams’ fantastical idea took a step closer to reality when Google announced the “Pixel Buds” — a pair of wireless headphones that have Google Translate software built in, capable of translating 40 different languages as they’re spoken to you.

So should professional translators and interpreters start getting freaking out about artificial intelligence (AI) stealing their jobs?

Business Insider asked a handful of people working in the field for their thoughts. The verdict: While the tech is exciting, and has obvious consumer applications, they’re not worried. Read more

Rob Price - Business News Australia - 7 Oct 2017