Captures device audio, runs real-time speech recognition, and shows translated captions in a movable overlay across apps. SubBeam: Live Translated Subs, from Dongyon Kang, targets Android users who need immediate translation during live streams, social videos, or lectures. The app offers automatic language detection, bilingual display, and appearance controls including text size, outline, and position. It fits language learners and viewers of international live content who need on-the-fly captions without preexisting subtitle files.

What the app does and how it integrates with playback

SubBeam listens to audio playing on the device and generates translated subtitles in real time, then overlays them on top of the active app. It captures sound from browsers, social-video apps, and live streams that permit audio sharing, uses speech recognition to transcribe spoken words, and runs a translation step before rendering captions in a floating window the user can move across the screen.

How it behaves on the system and required permissions

The app requires screen overlay and audio capture permissions to function, and it notifies users when no sound is received from copy-protected services. Because it runs while other apps play audio, expect continuous background processing during a session; the developer states the audio is processed in real time and not recorded or stored, which reduces persistent data footprint related to captions.

Safety, control, and suitability for different users

Bilingual display options let users show original transcribed text alongside the translation, which suits learners who want side-by-side comparison. Automatic language detection removes manual selection for common scenarios, while appearance controls let users adjust legibility and placement. The app works where Android permits audio capture; some protected streams may block it, so users who rely on premium, DRM‑protected services should test individual sources first.

Who should use SubBeam and a practical setup tip

SubBeam serves viewers and learners who need immediate translated captions over active apps; it operates under Android permissions and proves useful when audio capture is allowed. Before a session, enable overlay and audio permissions and test the source app for audio sharing to confirm compatibility. Recommended.