Microsoft has unveiled an intriguing feature in its Edge browser version 141.0.3537.13 (beta), which introduces live audio translation for videos. This functionality allows users to translate the audio content of videos into their preferred languages using advanced AI technology. However, it’s worth mentioning that the range of languages currently available for translation is somewhat limited.
As this feature is still in its preview phase, it may not be immediately accessible upon updating to the Edge beta. In an updated Canary version, we encountered the Live Translation option within the Settings menu, titled “Offer to translate videos on supported sites.”
Understanding Live Audio Translation in Edge
Before diving into testing this feature, we looked at the system requirements necessary for effective live translation. Notably, a minimum of 12 GB of RAM and a 4-core CPU are required to utilize this capability efficiently. This means that devices with lower specifications may struggle to implement it.
Even with my laptop equipped with 16 GB of RAM, only about 75% or approximately 12 GB was available for this feature. Windows 11 consumes nearly 25% of memory while idle, ruling out low-spec devices for this particular application.
Another important consideration is the extensive memory allocation required by Edge when using this feature. This essentially restricts memory availability for other applications unless the translation process is halted. After enabling the translation option, a floating bar conveniently appears on the video playback interface to facilitate the process.
Currently, Edge’s audio translation functionality supports a limited number of websites. Our testing was conducted on a YouTube video, where we found available input languages to include Spanish, Korean, and English. To assess the feature, we selected a Spanish gaming video.
The audio translation began promptly, effectively muting the original audio from the YouTube video after downloading the necessary AI model. Feedback on translation lag was positive; however, accuracy is difficult to evaluate, especially for those not fluent in Spanish.
One notable issue we observed was the presence of two different audio tracks (male and female) for some segments. This created confusion as the video featured only one speaker, leading to the need for varied audio tracks due to changes in pitch and tone.
Additional Changes and Upcoming Deprecations
In previous discussions, we reported on Microsoft’s plan to replace the legacy Edge PDF engine with an Adobe-powered solution to enhance performance and editing capabilities. Starting October 2025, the Adobe PDF engine will automatically become the default for enterprise users, featuring an Adobe logo and menu bar access for those with an Adobe subscription.
Additionally, Microsoft is set to deprecate several EdgeHTML-related features in the Beta version 142, which include:
- Legacy Web View
- Windows 8/8.1/UWP HTML/JavaScript apps (also known as Hosted Web Applications and Windows Web Applications)
- Legacy Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
- Legacy Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML) DevTools
In the near future, a new setting will be introduced to prevent websites from requesting local network access, thereby enhancing local network security.
Moreover, two new enterprise-related changes are on the horizon. Admins will receive a new policy to control tab previews displaying page details and manage the visibility of the Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat icon in Edge.
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