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This week: Live translation in your ear

This week: Live translation in your ear

plus UK gov AI, moon landing, first operating system

Brett Bouchard
March 15, 2025

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

This feels like a perfect use for AI! Apple is late to the party as Android has had this for years.

1. Apple is Bringing Live Translation to AirPods (finally)

What’s the tech
Apple is adding live translation (real-time conversion of one language into another) to AirPods as part of the upcoming iOS 19 update (Apple's operating system for iPhones). This feature will allow AirPods to translate conversations instantly, helping users understand and communicate in different languages more easily.

How it’s used
Users will wear their AirPods and activate live translation through Siri (Apple’s virtual assistant). When someone speaks in a different language, the AirPods will provide a real-time translation directly into the user’s ears. This will be useful for travel, business, and everyday conversations.

Why it's news now
Live translation has been available on some headphones from other companies, but this is the first time Apple is adding it to AirPods. It’s expected to roll out with iOS 19 later this year, making AirPods even more versatile.

2. UK PM Says AI Will Soon Replace Some Civil Servants

What’s the tech
The UK Prime Minister announced that artificial intelligence (AI) (technology that allows machines to think and learn) could soon take over some tasks currently done by government workers.

How it’s used
AI could handle tasks like processing documents, scheduling meetings, and analyzing data. This would free up human workers to focus on more complex and strategic work.

Why it's news now
The UK government plans to introduce these changes as part of a larger effort to modernize public services and make them more efficient. The move reflects growing confidence in AI's ability to handle routine work.

3. US Firm Firefly Delivers Its First Moon Landing

What’s the tech
Firefly Aerospace, a US-based company, successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon. This marks a significant step for private companies in space exploration.

How it’s used
The Blue Ghost lander was designed to deliver scientific instruments and technology to the Moon’s surface. It will gather data on lunar conditions and test new technologies.

Why it's news now
This is Firefly's first successful Moon landing and part of a growing trend of private companies participating in space exploration. NASA (the US space agency) partnered with Firefly for this mission as part of its lunar exploration program.

Bonus Topic: Happy Birthday, Director! The First Computer Operating System Turns 70

What it does
The Director operating system, created in 1955, was the first system that allowed computers to manage tasks automatically. An operating system (software that manages a computer’s hardware and software) helps computers run programs and process information efficiently.

How it’s used
Director introduced the concept of multitasking (running more than one program at a time) and resource management (organizing computer memory and processing power). Modern operating systems like Windows and macOS evolved from these early ideas.

Why it's popular
Director paved the way for modern computing. Its development allowed computers to become more powerful and user-friendly, shaping the technology we rely on today.

Conversation starter
"Did you know the first operating system was created 70 years ago? It’s amazing how far computers have come since then!"