Google Translate update: convert text across all apps when running Marshmallow

Have you noticed an update to the Google Translate app? You may have realized there is not much of a change. That is, unless you are running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, in which case you definitely have something new to look forward to.

The Google Translate team has been hard at work bringing system-wide translation to our devices, adding the ability to decipher text across all applications. This means users no longer need to go through the hassles of switching to the Translate app, entering a word (or phrase), translating it, copying it, then going back to paste it in the application of choice. Those with the latest Android version can now simply highlight text from any app and translate it instantly. It’s as easy as pie.

We know: this is no good for most of us right now, as very few people are using the Android 6.0 Marshmallow preview software. It’s definitely a sign of good things to come, though. This is only a taste of what Marshmallow can do with text. Not only will this feature be available to all users once Android 6.0 starts spreading, but other applications and services may be able to take advantage of these capabilities later on.

Interested? You will have to wait until you get Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your device. On the Google Translate side, the update is already available from the Google Play Store. Have any of you tested this feature yet? Do tell us how it’s treating you!