Timekettle Launches LiveTalk Open-Ear AI Interpreter Earbuds for $129

Timekettle has introduced the LiveTalk, a $129 pair of open-ear AI interpreter earbuds that combine everyday audio playback with real-time translation across 54 languages and 108 accents.

Design Features of the LiveTalk Earbuds

The LiveTalk uses an open-ear, air-conduction, ear-hook format designed for users who want to keep the same device on throughout the day. Each earbud features an 11mm dynamic driver with a titanium diaphragm and a high-damping polyurethane surround. The hardware relies on a dual-microphone setup for voice pickup, differing from the bone-conduction voice sensing used in Timekettle’s W4 family geared toward professional users.

The earbuds can be shared between participants during face-to-face conversations, with the smartphone screen splitting into two so users on each end can read text while speech translates live into the earbuds. The earbuds connect simultaneously via Bluetooth to a smartphone and a computer for call and multimedia modes.

Functionality of Babel OS 3.0 Integration

Under the hood, Babel OS 3.0 selects translation engines based on conversation and connection conditions. An AI Refine layer improves phrasing and maintains consistency across exchanges, while a meeting assistant generates bilingual transcripts and organized summaries. Users can download 25 offline language pairs in advance for offline operation.

Battery life spans more than four hours of continuous translation or up to eight hours of music per charge, extending to 35 hours total with the charging case. A 10-minute charge delivers up to 2.5 hours of additional use. The Timekettle App provides six preset equalization options and a dedicated profile that activates during translation to emphasize speech intelligibility and reduce low-frequency interference.

Pricing and Monthly Translation Minutes

The $129 purchase price includes 200 minutes of online translation per device each month, with unused minutes expiring at the monthly reset. Timekettle offers additional subscription tiers providing 300 minutes for $5.99 per month or unlimited translation for $9.99 per month. The device is available in Star Silver, Polar Black, and Deep Sea Blue.

The better translation technology becomes, the less people should have to think about translation. Our goal has always been to reduce the friction language creates between people. AI gives us a new opportunity to extend that vision — from helping people communicate across languages to helping global teams work together more effectively.

Leal Tian, Founder and CEO of Timekettle

Language barriers don’t only happen in formal meetings — they happen while traveling, studying, making a phone call, watching foreign-language content or simply meeting someone new. With LiveTalk, we wanted to make real-time interpreting something people can naturally use throughout the day, rather than a device they only reach for in specific moments.

Leal Tian, Founder and CEO of Timekettle