On Wednesday, Google updated its translation application. The update included two major tweaks that added the recognition and translation of live conversations as well as a camera function that directly translates a text in the picture. These tools allow for the application to be of more effective use during travel across seas.
Google Translate and its new updates are available for both the Android and iOS mobile platforms. The conversation aspect of the application is reportedly effective and accurate in translating live speech between two people. Google’s most recent update allows for the user to place the device between the two individuals in the conversation, and it will translate speech from either speaker as it is spoken. The user simply needs to select the two languages he or she wishes to translate between, and the application will automatically identity and translate between the languages. Though the application is relatively effective in detecting and translating conversations smoothly, it is not perfect. Some users report that the application sometimes fails to distinguish between pauses in sentences and the ends of sentences, which can scramble the translation. Simple sentences allegedly work well with the translation application. Google Translate recognizes 90 different languages for written and spoken translations.
Another aspect of the updated application is camera translation. Users can point the camera at signs, menus, and other text and have the text translated directly on the image of the screen. Google Translate will translate whatever the camera is pointing at instataneously. The application currently offers translation between English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish for the point-and-translate function. To translate between languages besides these, the application has the ability to scan photos and translate between 36 languages. The function of the camera tool is similar to the World Lens tool, which Google acquired last year.
The updated translator application has the potential to greatly improve communication during travel to different countries, especially because the application functions without the use of Internet.
