The WT2 Edge are headphones that allow instant translation of your conversations. We were able to get our hands on them and the result is amazing.
Timekettle, have you heard of it? This brand, which is relatively unknown to the general public, distributes several real-time translation devices, particularly for businesses and professionals. With a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2017, the company has continued to expand and now offers various solutions and devices. In addition to these small translation boxes, Timekettle also offers a few headphones that specialize in translating conversations in groups or between two people.
We got to try out the WT2 Edge headphones for several weeks. They’re described as “smooth, real-time translation devices” on the company’s website. Check out our hands-on with the WT2 Edge.
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A basic design that fits anywhere
Let’s not beat around the bush: the WT2 Edge doesn’t stand out for its design. The latter looks, to be mistaken, like any wireless earphone that you might find in a specialist store. The difference is that the WT2 Edge has a small LED in the shape of a chat bubble. This is not just aesthetic since it lets you know when the earphones are working or even if they are paired. A simple way to ensure that they can work properly for a translation.
The overall wearing of the WT2 Edge is still pleasant. We were able to try the headphones during meetings lasting from ten to forty minutes without feeling any discomfort or pain in the ear. However, they are not designed to be worn for long hours (as could be the case with music headphones like the AirPods) so we would advise to reserve them for specific needs such as meetings or discussions.
The WT2 Edge case doesn’t stand out either and is made up of a nice reflective plastic coating with the Timekettle brand name on top. However, the latter remains discreet and practical for storing in a pocket, drawer or small bag. The case also has a small magnetization to prevent it from being opened accidentally and risking dropping the headphones. Not bad!
The WT2 Edge are also not stingy with accessories. Timekettle therefore provides the case, the earphones, a user manual, other tips, a charging cable (without block) and a “Timekettle Fish Card” which we will come back to a little later.
Instant translation in multiple forms
As we mentioned earlier, the WT2 Edge are headphones that aim to provide real-time translations of your conversations. A feature that we think is ideal for two profiles:
- Professionals who have to manage B2B relationships with foreign correspondents.
- Travelers who want to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak their language.
So we were able to try the WT2 Edge in both situations. The headphones have several options for translation that can be ideal depending on the situation.
In order to use the WT2 Edge, you need to equip yourself with the official Timekettle application. And yes, unfortunately these headphones remain dependent on an application, and therefore on a phone to function properly. You also need to create or log in to an account to be able to use the firm’s services (although it is still possible to use a Google, Facebook or WeChat account).
The WT2 Edge has several very interesting modes for real-time translation. These are to be used according to your preferences or the situation:
- Simulator mode: Each interlocutor wears an earpiece. This keeps your hands free and each earpiece translates what the person is saying.
- Listen mode: Speak into the microphone near the speaker to get a translation directly into the headphones.
- Speaker mode: While wearing both earbuds, hand your phone to another person to get the translation.
- Touch mode: one earbud per person. Touch the earbud or microphone to switch between speakers.
Although we didn’t encounter any particular problems with the available modes, we still favored the first two during our tests. The simulator mode is particularly well-suited to keeping your hands free and being able to make presentations during a meeting with another interlocutor. We also appreciated, during a discussion with a non-French speaker, being able to each wear an earphone while showing things like information on our phone to find our way or a location.
Regarding the translations, nothing to complain about. The results are instantaneous and extremely fluid. To the point that it is quite easy to come out with a few stray sentences that can be misinterpreted by the WT2 Edge. You therefore have to remain at least a little focused and speak out loud so that the headphones can properly pick up the sentences to be transmitted. The result is quite impressive, and we were able to perform numerous translations in real time.
Around forty languages available
The WT2 Edge headphones currently support 40 different languages and 93 distinct accents. A wide choice is therefore available for your needs including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Danish, Russian or Cantonese. However, these translations require an internet connection to be able to be carried out.
There is, however, an offline mode for cases where you don’t have a network (on a plane, in a country where you don’t have mobile data or in a poorly served area for example). The application then makes 8 different languages available including Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Russian, German and French.
These offline translations are not included with the app, however, and must be “purchased” via points called Fish. For example, a translation from “English to French” costs 5 Fish. The same translation in the other direction, “French to English”, also costs 5 Fish.
Fortunately, purchasing the WT2 Edge also grants you a card that grants you 30 credits to use to acquire the translations you need. However, you will need to make sure to “purchase” them first to add them to the app before you use it offline.
Decent battery life, but recharging takes a bit of time
Timekettle claims a three-hour battery life for its WT2 Edge earbuds. While we couldn’t verify this (it’s hard to do three full hours of translations), we’re tempted to believe them. After an hour of use, our earbuds were showing 65% and 62% of their batteries, respectively.
It is also possible to store the headphones in their case to enjoy a first charge of up to 12 hours of battery life. Ideal if you need to reuse the headphones several times during the day.
On the charging side, count a little over 1h20 to go from 0 to 100%. It’s a little slow. Fortunately, it is possible to recharge the headphones enough to enjoy them “on-the-go” in a few minutes.
Our conclusion after getting to grips with the WT2 Edge
If the rather high price of 349 euros of the WT2 Edge had scared us a little before trying them, we were finally rather convinced. The initial promise is kept: the headphones easily translate conversations and exchanges as long as they are spoken out loud and sufficiently clear. The translations are very fluid to the point that it can be quite easy to see unwanted terms (such as onomatopoeia) also being translated during our test sessions.
One could possibly criticize the requirement to have an account and the mobile application to take advantage of WT2 Edge, but the offline mode still allows you to have the necessary tools when a translation is required where you have no connection.