Google Translate could soon get some major AI enhancements, like the ability to select different AI models and a game-like practice mode, according to a report from Android Police on Monday.

Android analyst AssembleDebug looked into the Google Translate app’s latest build, version 9.15.114, and found what appears to be new changes to the user interface. At the top, there’s a new model selector, Fast and Advanced. Fast would presumably be for quick translation tasks, like deciphering menu items. Advanced will likely use Gemini to understand the context of a text or a conversation with more accuracy

Read more: Best Language Learning Apps for 2025

According to the report, the update will also include a practice mode to help gamify language learning, similar to that used in the popular language app Duolingo.

A representative for Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. 

For the last two years, Google’s been showcasing various demos and releasing features to make language interpretation easier. At Google I/O earlier this year, the tech giant showed off a demo of what live translation might look like for someone wearing a pair of its Android XR smartglasses. 

With the launch of the Pixel Fold in 2023, the company also released a live interpreter mode that used the device’s inner and outer screens. 

Understanding different languages is a key innovation of AI. The ability to use large language model technology to interpret between two distinct languages expands the content and conversations humans can have with one another. 

Already, Google has released auto-dubbing tech on YouTube, allowing English-speaking audiences to watch Japanese YouTubers, for example. 

It’s back-to-school season and now is as great a time to grab a pair of new headphones. Though there are plenty of budget-friendly models available, the truth is there’s no beating high-quality brands like Beats. We’re always on the lookout for ways you can save, and we’ve found a Woot deal that lets you score a refurbished pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones for just $85 for a limited time. This deal is only available for a limited time, so we suggest acting fast if you want a new pair of headphones.

If you’d prefer a new pair, you can get them at Amazon for just $100, which is half off. Still, Woot’s deal is perfect for those looking to save an extra $15.

As far as headphone deals go, you won’t want to miss this one. The Beats Solo 4 headphones have plenty going for them, including a 50-hour battery life, so you won’t need to reach for the charger that often. And when you do need to charge them up, a 10-minute charge gives you 5 hours of listening time. If you’d prefer to listen with a cable instead of wirelessly, you can do so with the Beats Solo 4, which includes support for high-quality audio.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

CNET’s audio expert David Carnoy rated the Beats Solo 4 highly in his full review last year, but advised readers to wait for them to drop to $130 or so. The headphones have custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers, offering the signature sound from Beats. If you’re a fan of bass, you won’t be disappointed. The adjustable earcups and UltraPlush cushions ensure long listening sessions are comfortable.

Woot offers a 1-year warranty on all purchases, and Amazon Prime members get free shipping, which adds to your savings.

Why this deal matters

The Apple-owned Beats brand is iconic, and this is your chance to put a pair of the company’s popular headphones in your bag for under $100 if you’re open to grabbing a refurbished pair. Getting anything for that price is an incredible opportunity. Choosing your color sweetens the deal, but the limited-time nature of the deal does mean you need to act sooner rather than later.

As the sun continues the tumultuous peak of its 11-year cycle, more instances of aurora borealis have been expected. The most recent instance was earlier in August when auroras lit up the skies in 18 states. It seems the Earth is in for another battering of solar material as another aurora has been forecast for Monday night, and it should be a pretty decent one for states in the northern US. 

According to NOAA, the Earth will experience a geomagnetic storm with a Kp 5 rating. For the uninitiated, the K-index is a measure of how strong geomagnetic storms are and a Kp 5 rating is designated as a «moderate» storm by NOAA. In general, the stronger the geomagnetic storm, the further south an aurora appears, and a Kp 5 will almost assuredly drag the northern lights into the US. 

This week’s geomagnetic storm comes to us courtesy of the sun. Per SpaceWeatherLive, there were a number of solar flares ejected from the sun over the last several days, a pattern of increased solar activity that also caused the aurora on Aug. 8. 

Where will the aurora be visible?

The states that can be expected to see it include Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the northern horn of Michigan. If it’s dark enough and people face north, it may also be visible in Wyoming, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Of course, the best view will be in Alaska, where the whole state should be able to see the most intense part of the aurora. 

NOAA says the storm will peak at around 0300 to 0900 UTC, which translates to 11 p.m. through 5 a.m. ET (8 p.m. to 2 a.m. PT). 

Tips to see the aurora

If you live in one of the aforementioned states, your best bet is to get somewhere elevated and away from city or suburban light pollution, and then simply point yourself north. Photographers looking to catch a glimpse will want to use long exposure times to give the camera ample time to take in as much aurora light as possible. 

If you plan on taking a trip out to the sticks to see it, keep an eye out for shooting stars at the tail end of Perseids meteor shower and you may be able to spot some plants in the last planet parade of 2025.