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Tingdong
About Tingdong
Tingdong is a macOS application that provides real-time speech translation for audio and video content. It captures system audio from videos, podcasts, online classes and meetings, displaying live translated captions on screen without requiring manual language selection. The tool supports 60+ languages with automatic detection and near-instant translation, allowing users to follow content in their preferred language. For iPhone calls, Tingdong routes the audio to a Mac via Bluetooth to enable two-way live interpretation, speaking translated responses back to the caller. The app includes a zero-chrome mode for projecting captions on large screens and a read-aloud feature for personal listening. Transcripts and translations remain local to the user’s device, with no audio recordings stored by Tingdong servers. A membership covers live captions and call translation for everyday use, billed by the second.
Key features
- Live captions for system audio and video
- Two-way call translation via Bluetooth
- Automatic language detection
- Big-screen projection mode
- Read-aloud for captions
- Local transcript storage
- 60+ supported languages
- No signup or card required for trial
Use cases
- Watching foreign-language videos with live captions
- Joining multilingual meetings with real-time translation
- Interpreting iPhone calls in both directions
Pros
- Supports 60+ languages with automatic detection
- No installation required for call participants
- Local processing with no audio recordings stored
- Live captions and translated voice output
- Zero-chrome mode for large-screen projection
Cons
- Requires macOS and Bluetooth for iPhone call translation
- No iPhone app available due to iOS security restrictions
- Membership required for full functionality
- Fair use limits on continuous streaming
Frequently asked questions about Tingdong
What is Tingdong?
Tingdong is a macOS application designed for real-time speech translation. It converts system audio from videos, podcasts, online classes, and meetings into live translated captions on screen. It also enables two-way live interpretation for iPhone calls by routing the audio to a Mac via Bluetooth, supporting over 60 languages with automatic detection.
Who is Tingdong suitable for?
Tingdong is suitable for individuals who need real-time translation for media consumption, online meetings, or phone calls. It benefits multilingual users, professionals attending international meetings, students in foreign-language classes, and travelers communicating in unfamiliar languages.
How does Tingdong handle pricing?
Tingdong operates on a membership model where a single subscription covers live captions and call translation for everyday use. Billing is done by the second, and memberships can be canceled anytime. A free trial is available upon installation without requiring signup or payment details.
Does Tingdong integrate with other apps or services?
Tingdong captures system audio directly from the Mac, so it works with any application playing audio or video, such as YouTube, Netflix, Zoom, Teams, Meet, or podcast apps. For iPhone calls, it uses Bluetooth to receive call audio on the Mac, requiring no additional integrations.
What are the privacy guarantees of Tingdong?
Tingdong ensures privacy by never storing audio recordings or using user data for model training. Audio streams through a live recognition channel and is immediately discarded. Transcripts and translations remain local to the user’s device, and billing is based on usage time rather than content.
How do I get started with Tingdong?
To start using Tingdong, download and install the app on a Mac. No signup or payment is required for the initial trial. For live captions, simply play audio or video content on your Mac. For iPhone call translation, pair your iPhone with your Mac via Bluetooth and follow the in-app instructions to enable call translation.