One of the highlights from Google I/O 2019 was Live Caption, which provides real-time speech transcription. However, VentureBeat reported earlier today that the feature wouldn’t be as widespread as we thought.
According to Android accessibility product manager Brian Kemler, Live Caption will not be available on all Android devices. Instead, Google is reserving Live Caption for “select, higher-end devices” due to the feature’s demand for “a lot of memory and space to run.”
Kemler also said that Google would release a list of supported devices once we get closer to Android Q’s launch. Additionally, Google will add more devices to the list over time.
When Android Authority reached out to Google, the company said that it has “nothing more to share at this time.”
Announced as an Android Q feature, Live Caption uses AI to translate speech from podcasts, videos, phone calls, and any other media on your phone. The feature works with first- and third-party apps, uses on-device machine learning, works when audio is turned down to zero, and is accessible with one tap.
Live Caption is primarily aimed at those with hampered hearing, but it’s also useful in other scenarios. For example, you can watch videos without having your headphones on and still know what people are saying.
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