Google has claimed that its Translate app is now able to act as an interpreter. A real-time voice translation mode has just been added to the service, which Google says can automatically recognize and translate languages.
The new update also enables users to instantly translate messages via their camera. However, some experts have poured scorn on Google’s claims, saying that the app would struggle to get to grips with certain linguistic tools. Before now, Google’s app could translate phrases that had been spoken or typed and repeat them out loud. However, it worked on a phrase-by-phrase basis, which could slow down communication dramatically, with many rhythm and pronunciation-based problems regularly coming to the surface.
The app can translate written text via its camera even without a data connection. The app currently recognizes and translates English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Google said that the app means that smartphone owners are one step closer to transforming their devices into universal translators, meaning that language no longer needs to be a barrier. However, experts still expect users to face problems when attempting to translate words that have multiple meanings and say that the app can never be a replacement for a professional, fully-trained translator.
Have you used the new version of the Translator app yet? Do you feel that these services will ever be fully reliable? Let us know your thoughts below.
