These new AI earbuds offer real-time translation of 42 languages – different accents too

Timekettle/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Timekettle announces W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds at IFA 2025.
• They use AI and bone conduction technology for clear translation.
• They’re available for $349 in two colors.

Timekettle adds another translation earbud to its product lineup, announcing the W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds at IFA 2025. 

Also: The 4 coolest gadgets I’ve seen at IFA 2025 (including ones you can actually buy)

The W4 earbuds use bone conduction technology to produce and capture more precise sound. According to Timekettle, the W4 earbuds can help users communicate with 95% of the world, making them a dedicated translation device for international professionals.

Translates 42 languages in 95 accents 

Timekettle’s press release said the W4 earbuds can translate 42 languages in 95 accents with 98% accuracy and 0.2 seconds of audio latency. Instead of using traditional audio that can be muffled or overtaken by other voices in busy environments, the W4 earbuds use bone conduction technology.

Also: I put my Shokz away within seconds of testing these bone conduction headphones

According to Timekettle, the bone conduction technology uses the vibrations transmitted through your bones when you speak to deliver dialogue more accurately to the W4 earbuds. This technology should also help improve translation accuracy when the speaker talks quietly, which should help keep communication clear when two people try to have a discreet, intimate conversation in public.

Also: Google can translate your voice in real time now – try it free

Timekettle’s W4 earbuds are equipped with the company’s Bebl OS 2.0 translation software that uses AI large language models. The company said the large language models have higher accuracy rates because they can understand and predict the context of the speaker’s words, avoiding homophonous errors.

Users can also create a custom vocabulary, so the earbuds are aware of slang and colloquial terms. 

The W4 earbuds promise four hours of continuous translation and up to 10 hours with the charging case. 

Availability

They’re now available for $349 in Midnight Blue and Sandy Gold.