Microsoft has announced a new feature for its Translator program that will allow people to use their smartphones to have conversations in multiple languages at the same time.
The update works with individual conversations or in situations where a large number of languages are being used. For example, one person speaking English, another Spanish, and a third person Chinese. Microsoft is launching the new tool as a great option for tour guides speaking with people from around the world, taxi drivers, and hotels that host many international guests.
The service is available through the Microsoft Translator app and also has a website. After logging in, people choose their language and start a new conversation. This generates a code, called a QR code, that others can enter to join the conversation and then set their language.
It works like a walkie-talkie and a speaker, pressing a button to speak and then, a few seconds later, the translation appears on the participants’ devices in the chosen language.
Microsoft stated that audible translation is available in some languages but did not specify which ones. Microsoft says it is still working to improve its translation capabilities.
Breaking down communication barriers has been a major priority for Microsoft for years. Recently, the company has made significant strides in this area. In 2015, Microsoft built its real-time translation tool directly into Skype for Windows PCs. Now, Microsoft is releasing an update to Microsoft Translator that allows users to download entire languages for offline translations.
All of this is powered by what Microsoft has characterized as a “deep neural network,” in the form of machine learning. Microsoft trained the algorithms using translated documents to see how words and phrases are represented in different languages, improving the ability to translate in a conversational manner.
Source: www.geekwire.com