Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: 30 second review

The Timekettle X1 Translator aims to meet the demand for real-time audio translation technology. At least on the surface, the latest AI technology enables it to make some headway with a suite of features geared towards multi-language communication. In use, it performs well once you get accustomed to a method of communicating that ensures optimal results: speak clearly, avoid noisy environments, and ensure a robust network connection. 

We've tested out many of the best translation software and pocket translator devices, and while it may not be 100% fluid for real-time scenarios, it is a major step toward real-time translation. The "Ask & Go" and "One-on-One" modes work well, however, the "Listen and Play" mode falls short of real-time expectations. For business users in need of a pocket-sized, versatile translation tool, the X1 does make a significant step towards more fluid communication, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Price and Availablity

The Timekettle X1 Translator is available through the Timekettle website and can be purchased as a single unit or in multiples for business use. A single unit costs $699, two units cost $1,399.98, and prices for three, four, and five units at $3,499.95 are listed on the site.

You can get the X1 AI Interpreter Hub by clicking here. 

• Score: 4/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Design

The Timekettle X1 Translator's design is very sleek, with the rectangular metal box both looking and feeling high-quality. Before it is powered up, the box measures 128mm x 45mm x 30mm and weighs a manageable amount, making it easy to carry and transport.

It also features an internal 3200mAh battery that enables up to 12 hours of use. If the battery runs flat as you head from one meeting to another, the fast charge feature through the USB Type-C port will enable you to get back up and running to a full charge within 2 hours.

Usability is key to this small portable translator, and on the front is a large touchscreen that gives you access to the different translation modes, languages, and models. Simply tap the function or feature that you want, and the UI will give you direct access through the device to the options you want without the need to connect to a computer or use an app.

When you want to have a conversation, say from English to French, just select the one-to-one option, push the button and start to speak. The translator will then translate what you have said, ready for the response from the person you asked—standard portable translator stuff.

However, where the Timekettle X1 Translator differs is that on the charging end of the device, there is a small drawer that contains the headphones. These are used when you want to have a conversation with someone in real-time. Select the one-to-one conversation option, select the languages, and pop in an earphone each. You can then start to converse, with the device sending the translation between the people speaking, and the use of these earbuds is integral to the workings of this device.

• Design: 4.5/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Features

The X1 currently supports up to 40 languages and 93 accents, but what makes this device stand out is its ability to handle simultaneous interpretation among 20 participants in 5 different languages, utilizing advanced Translation Subnet Technology, which will make this device of interest to many business users.

This small translation device has many applications, from one-on-one meetings to group conferences. The X1 offers a variety of modes, such as Group Meeting Translation and Voice Call Translation, to fit the scenario. Its Multi-Way Interpretation supports configurations from single users up to 20, and if multiple users are using X1 devices, these can all be quickly synced with a tap.

While the X1 can download language packs to the device, the fullest translation results come from network-connected translation. To maintain fast translation, the X1 features dual-band WiFi and BoostClean's VNC noise reduction technology.

The X1 has also been designed to be standalone, which means that it is not reliant on apps. This enables you to use the device much the same way you would a dictaphone: simply place it on the table, switch it on, and choose the mode you wish to use.

In meetings, there's also no fear that the device will run out of steam, with a full charge providing up to 12 hours of use and the quick charging feature enabling a full charge in two hours and just 5 minutes for 120 minutes of usage for the earbuds.

Security is also high on Timekettle's priority list, with the X1 incorporating bank-grade data encryption to protect conversation privacy. This essentially means that translation data is stored locally, with no backups on any servers, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.

Behind the technology of the bespoke X OS translation operating system, 12nm CPU, 3G+32G memory, 3.4" high-definition screen, multi-mic noise reduction array, and 5-minute fast charging are the core translation features of the device. These include:

One-on-One Mode, which has been designed for personal, face-to-face meetings, whether that's with a business partner or a friend. This mode essentially enables two people to talk in real-time with bidirectional translation, with each user inserting an earbud for the translation to work.

Listen & Play Mode enables you to catch up on screencasts of meetings that may have been held in another language. Again, place the X1 in front of the speaker, then wait for the translation to begin in your chosen language. This mode also works well for lectures and conferences where a speaker may be talking in a language that you need help understanding don't.

Ask & Go Mode is the mode that most of us are familiar with. It enables quick exchanges between two people talking in different languages.

Voice Call Mode is designed for remote communication via video or phone call, where two X1 devices are used. It enables the two devices to translate in real-time so that those talking can do so more smoothly without delay.

Finally, Multi-Person Mode is designed for larger groups of people where multiple people are interacting. This mode requires more than just one X1, with the group set up to translate into a group of up to 20 people with up to 40 languages and 93 accents.

• Features: 4.5/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Performance

In use, the X1 really couldn't be easier to get started with, connecting to an available WiFi connection so that it can link to the translation server. Throughout the test, the X1's connection reliability was excellent, whether on a standard office or hotel WiFi connection or utilizing the hotspot connection on an iPhone 15 Pro.

In this review, we're looking at a single unit, so some features such as Voice Call and Multi-Person couldn't be tested. However, the One-on-One, Listen and Play, and Ask and Go modes could all be utilized.

Starting with the first option, which is One-on-One, the languages are first set, in this case from French to English, and each language is assigned an earbud. The two people who want to chat then speak at the same time to alert the system and to test that all is working. On the small touchscreen, you can see a blue icon flash for the left earbud and red for the right earbud. We found saying in respective languages, "Hello, I'll be speaking English / Bonjour, je vais parler français," seemed to work. From that point on, one of us would speak, wait a second after the person had stopped speaking, and the translation would come through. Then the other person could start speaking and again say a few sentences, and the translation would start to come through. The speed of the translation seems to speed up as you continue to talk, and this is in part due to you learning how to use the system and being able to adapt—it's not 100% fluid real-time translation. Still, with a three to five-second delay, it's pretty good and highlights how much better this is than an off-the-shelf translator such as Google Translate.

One point that was highlighted was that the AI often seemed to kick in and not only translate the text but alter it, sometimes losing the meaning. It took a while to adjust the tone of what was said to ensure that the translation was more accurate, sticking to formal communication rather than utilizing any slang or non-standard vocabulary.

The next option to try is Listen and Play. On the site, this is advertised as enabling you to watch foreign language TV shows; however, in reality, it quickly became apparent that there needs to be a delay. Watching back a tech presentation in French, the translator took between 25 and 30 seconds for the translation to start, then it would drop and lose the meaning of the piece altogether. I tried this on several different videos and TV shows to check the results and decided this option needs work.

Finally, the Ask and Go feature, which is most like Google Translate, works exceptionally well. Again, the translation is fast but only as fast as Google Translate, and in a similar fashion, it gives you the transcript of the conversation. What does give this the edge is that you can use the unit offline, which is handy when you're out of network or WiFi signal.

The X1 performs well and really excels in the business sector, where the additional almost real-time translation features push this beyond other systems. Then, when you add the option to translate multiple languages at the same time, this all becomes very interesting. However, there is a delay for some of the other features such as Listen and Play, and while the Ask and Go feature is good, it's only as good as Google Translate. The real winner here is One-on-One, and with a little practice, the conversation might not be absolutely real-time, but you can balance the delay and discussion to a point where it becomes far more fluid than other translation methods.

• Performance: 4/5

Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub: Score card