We Check Out The WT2 Plus Translator Earbuds From Timekettle

The good people at Timekettle sent us a pair of the WT2 Plus earbuds to try out, review and create an unboxing video for. Since we can’t wait to get back out into the world post COVID, we jumped at the chance!

Before we delve into our review of the WT2 Plus, we have talked about Timekettle’s products before, so if you’d like to see our prior article, you can find it Here.

Timekettle is known for its translator devices with a boasted artificial intelligence so that it can produce high quality translations for it’s users on the go.

First it’s important to note that there are two apps on the marketplace at this time. There is the Timekettle app, and the WT2 Plus app. While it might seem like the right move to download the specific app for the device, we recommend not in this instance. The WT2 Plus app was designed a bit before the more supported Timekettle app, and therefore won’t work properly with your devices. I attempted to use the WT2 Plus app and found my experience lacking, but all issues I had with the system was corrected when I switched to the full Timekettle app.

Connection of your translation earbuds are easy and simple. No using Bluetooth to find them, pair them and double checking. Once you open the app the program will prompt you to take the earbuds out of their case. Doing so activates them and allows the app to pair with recently activated devices. Connection takes a second and you are ready to go!

The app is your powerhouse, it allows you to select your languages, and toggle between the three settings.

  • Simul Mode
  • Simul Mode allows the users to simply talk. As long as you wait for the translation to be complete from the other party, it is quick and easy. However if you try to talk over one another, the system will not collect and then translate your dialog. This is a great feature for patient people looking for conversations that travel at a relaxing pace. If you are having problems waiting your turn to talk though, I highly recommend Touch Mode.

  • Touch Mode
  • Touch Mode works just like Simul mode, but it removes the issue of overlap because the act of tapping the earbud to activate helps you remember to keep a solid pace. Another benefit of this device is your ability to communicate two two parties at the same time, potentially in a negotiation, without oversharing or translating unimportant information to the other party.

  • Speaker Mode
    1. It’s important to note that with both Simul Mode and Touch Mode require you to give one of your earbuds to the other party for them to communicate back and forth to you. While you gain more conversational privacy, you lose hygienic safety. This is a serious issue that we face in modern days as we are recovering from a pandemic. Don’t fret though, as the app includes a feature to use your phone as the translator. The other party speaks into your phone, which is translated into your ear, and your translated speech comes out of your phone.
       
      It is broadcasting your translation and does require tapping the phone to indicated when it should translate your conversation partners dialog, but it’s safer. I will specifically state though that this feature does have more hang time between translations then either Simul Mode or Touch Mode.

    After you’ve selected your setting you now can select your translation language preferences. Keep mindful of what earbud is being used for which part of the translation. There are 40 languages to choose from. While they might not have some of the more obscure options, it’s more then enough for many popular tourist destinations.

    While the WT2 Plus features included offline translation, the M2 and ZERO do not have that feature, and users must pay extra for that ability. They use their own in app currency, but to be honest I don’t specifically understand why. For $9.99 you gain 5 “Fish” which can be spend for language packs for offline translation. If you purchase more “Fish” at a time you save a dollar or two depending on the amount you purchase, but it seems a bit clunky.

    That’s a definite plus though in the WT2 Plus’ column though as no “Fish” are needed for offline translation. That’s important because you don’t know if your travels will take you to a country with cell reception, or an office building that might not have WIFI for your needs. Just download the language you need in advance and have it available for offline translation!

    The WT2 Plus earbuds will last up to 5 hours on a single charge, and when recharged with the case, a total of 15 hours. More then enough for a day out and about abroad.

    Frankly we really like these earbuds and can’t wait to get out and engage with people using them. From travel, to business at home and conventions, these earbuds have a lot of really awesome abilities to keep us connected to those around us as our world gets bigger once again.

    You can pick up your own Here!

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