14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced the availability of a new version of its Translator app for devices running under Windows Phone.
Powered by Bing, the software is meant to resolve the problem of language translation for all people who are taking advantage of devices based on Microsoft’s mobile operating system.
When traveling abroad, the Translator App for Windows Phone can prove of great help in many situations, especially when in need of translating printed text.
By taking advantage of the phone’s camera, the app will recognize and translate street signs and posters, transit schedules and restaurant menus, and more. You can see the application at work in the video embedded at the bottom of this article.
“Think of this as automatic subtitles for everyday life- a view that provides continuous translation smoothly overlaid over the original language (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Chinese Simplified.),” Vikram Dendi, director of product management, Microsoft/Bing Translator, explains.
The app does not necessarily need an internet connection to work, as users can download language packs to their phones and then use it offline.
“The highly optimized and compressed translation system was built using the same technology that powers Bing’s translation features your [sic] familiar with on the Web,” Vikram Dendi continues.
Moreover, the mobile application can translate text that you type on the phone. The software offers support for over 30 languages when online, and even offers playback of the spoken version of the translated sentence.
Moreover, the Translator App also comes with voice translation, which offers users the possibility to engage in conversations with people in the visited country.
“With the voice translation you can communicate in English (both US and UK), German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Once in the mode and connected online, you simply tap the icon, speak and tap to translate,” Vikram Dendi continues.
The app can be pinned to Windows Phone’s home screen for fast access. Moreover, its various modes can also be pinned to the home screen as live tiles.
Existing Windows Phone users who have the app installed should receive a notification on the availability of the new flavor. The Translator App is also available for download for free via the Marketplace.
