Benda launches Timekettle in Israel: AI-based translation headphones and devices
The international brand specializing in simultaneous translation and real-time two-way translation is launched in Israel with three new products — from a portable translation device to smart headphones intended for conversations, meetings, and digital content.
Benda is expanding its technology portfolio by launching Timekettle in Israel — an international brand specializing in AI-based translation solutions. The brand enters the Israeli market with three products designed to address a central communication challenge: the language barrier. Instead of relying on translation apps that require pauses between sentences, the company’s products enable a continuous and natural conversation experience through smart headphones or a dedicated translation device that translates speech in real time.
Timekettle was founded with the aspiration of turning a long-standing science fiction concept into reality. Founder Tian Li drew inspiration from the “Babel Fish” in Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” — a fictional creature that allows instant understanding of any language. This vision led to the development of products that allow businesspeople, travelers, students, and professionals to conduct direct conversations without the need to stop, type, or pass a smartphone back and forth.
According to the company, the primary advantage is the conversation flow. Instead of the traditional “speak, wait for translation, continue” model, the system listens, filters background noise, analyzes sentence structure, and translates within a fraction of a second. In some scenarios, users can hear the translation while the other person is still speaking, simulating the work of a professional simultaneous interpreter.
At the core of the system is the HybridComm platform, which combines speech processing, simultaneous two-way translation, and AI engines. This technology minimizes latency, allowing users to focus on the conversation. Additionally, BoostClean Speech technology isolates the user’s voice from ambient noise using a microphone array and directional detection, making the devices suitable for crowded places like airports, restaurants, or busy streets.
The company also integrates TurboFast SI, a technology for near-parallel reception, processing, and playback, alongside the UniSmart AI Translation platform, which connects AI engines with global cloud infrastructure. The system utilizes over 150 servers worldwide and supports dozens of languages and hundreds of translation directions.
The first product arriving in Israel is the New T1 AI, a portable translation device that does not require headphones. Users can hold it between two speakers to receive both voice translation and on-screen text. It includes a local AI model for offline use and supports 43 languages and 96 accents. The recommended price in Israel is 1,099 shekels.
Also launching are the W4 AI smart translation headphones, designed for face-to-face conversations. Each participant wears a headset, speaks in their native language, and hears the translated speech. Using a Bone-Voiceprint sensor, the system achieves up to 98% accuracy with a response time of about 0.2 seconds. The headphones support 52 languages and 106 accents, priced at 1,299 shekels.
At the top of the range are the W4 Pro AI, aimed at business users and organizations. Beyond face-to-face translation, they handle phone calls, online meetings, lectures, and digital media. They provide up to six hours of translation per charge and up to 12 hours of music playback, functioning also as standard Bluetooth headphones. The recommended consumer price is 1,649 shekels.
Timekettle products will be marketed in Israel through Benda and will be available at authorized dealers.
