GoKawiilEdgar Cervantes / Android Authority
It is said that the Tower of Babel signified the limitless capabilities of human unity and ambition. Truly, language is one of the biggest barriers, but modern technology is breaking it down. AI, translation apps, and certain devices are more accessible and easy to use than ever. Enter the Timekettle X1 Meeting, a device that promises to make multi-language meetings and general translation simple, even when offline.
I’ve seen Timekettle translators for some years, usually at technology conventions like CES, which is a pretty good place for them, given the usual mass of multilingual attendees at such events. I always wondered how well they worked outside of such showcases; testing them for a few minutes on the show floor certainly isn’t enough to form an opinion.
Now I’ve had the chance to test the Timekettle X1 Meeting Interpreter Hub ($849 at Manufacturer site) in the real world for a couple of weeks. How did it hold up, and will I keep using it? Let’s find out.
Sleek and professional looks
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
At first glance, the Timekettle X1 Meeting looks a lot like a mid-sized power bank, but it is much lighter. It measures 5.04 x 1.77 x 1.18 inches and weighs in at 7.02 ounces.
While understated, the design is nice and sleek, offering the right look for a professional setting. Timekettle mentions it is pocketable, and while it technically fits in most pockets, it won’t do so comfortably. I prefer carrying it in my satchel or backpack. It will feel bulky in a pants pocket.
That said, it feels good in the hand, and while technically made of plastic, the chassis feels metallic, which adds a premium touch. Buttons are clicky, so feedback is pretty nice, too. The only inclusion is the capacitive button on the front, but the device vibrates when that one is activated, so you will still notice it when you use it.
And here’s a cool design quirk: the bottom part doesn’t just house the USB-C charging port and pins. Pressing the area will reveal a section where a couple of earbuds are stored and charged. This adds a whole other level of usage, which we will discuss in a bit. These earbuds have a very similar design and build quality to the main device. They attach magnetically and offer a secure connection.
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