Google has just released a new update for their Google Translate app, and it’s taking us one step closer to real-time conversational translation. They’re also reducing the odds of an embarrassing walk into the wrong restroom or a wrong turn onto a one-way street. How so?
For one, Google Translate can now – somewhat magically – translate signs and printed text in real time, by using the camera on your phone. You simply enable the app, choose the language you’re translating from (the language of the sign or document), and the language you wish to read (ie English), and as you hold your phone up to the sign/document, the foreign language words suddenly appear in your home language. Even more amazing, this function can work without being connected to the internet, so you can use it without racking up a huge international roaming bill.
The new update also makes inputting text from conversations easier by allowing Translate to use your smartphone’s internal microphone to automatically pick up and translate spoken languages. All you have to do is set the two languages being used (English and Spanish, French and Russian, etc.) and the Translate App will be able to listen and translate as the conversation is occurring in real-time. Language barriers are soon to be a thing of the past.
Again, the app could end up saving you money, as Damon Beres of The Huffington Post points out, with its lack of reliance on a wifi connection.
Say “goodbye” to language barriers and long distance roaming charges, and say “hello” to some amazing travel experiences, becoming easier by the year!