Just days ago it was reported that Google was working on a fairly major update to its Translate app. It has now been confirmed that the company is working on some powerful new features, which will be rolled out sooner than expected.
Instant translation of voice, as well as the instant translation of text captured in your camera’s view finder, will be coming within the next few days to the Google Translate mobile app.
Instant Translation of Images
Currently you’re able to take a photo with the app and get a translation in 36 languages. Now that’s going to be taken a step further with the ability to translate text on the fly just by pouting your camera at it.
Google gives the example of using this new feature as a way to translate street signs and menus while you’re visiting a foreign country. It will work even without an wifi or data connection.
This new feature currently supports translation of English to and from French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Google is working to expand to more languages.
Conversation Mode
Google’s new instant translation of spoken word is designed to help make conversations in foreign languages flow more naturally.
Now with the translate app you can select your languages, tap the microphone button and start speaking. The app will recognize which of the languages you’re speaking and translate what you’re saying instantly.
It’s important to note that there is a key difference between the initial report and Google’s official announcement, which was released today.
In the initial report it was stated that these new features would be released for Android first and iPhone some time later. Google has since confirmed the features will be coming to both platforms.
