Microsoft
A technician adjusts a spotlight at the exhibition stand of Microsoft in preparation for the CeBIT computer fair in the northern German town of Hanover March 12, 2007. Reuters/Christian Charisus

Microsoft announced the release of its new Translator app for iOS and Android based devices. The app will function on smartphones, tablets and in wearables that include Android wear watches and Apple Watch.

Users can access the app from their device and type or speak a word or phrase, which they intend to translate. Soon after that, the text or the spoken word will be translated. In its official blog, Microsoft said, the app allows quicker and easier translation, making “communication more seamless and personal.”

Microsoft says, it aims to reduce linguistic barriers by solving significant technical and interaction design challenges. “Today, we have a number of ways in which Microsoft Translator is accessible to our users— on the web, as part of your search experience through many experiences built by our developer community, via Office and more,” explained Microsoft.

Recently, Microsoft had recently enabled long distance real-time speech translation for Skype and now the Redmond based software giant is exploring ways in which wearable technology could affect language and translation. “With these smart devices (wearable devices), we want to learn how people use the apps and how effective the translation experiences can be,” says Microsoft.

Google introduced an update for its Google Translate app on July 30 to reinforce its translating services. The search engine giant has added 20 new languages to its video translation feature, besides making the app convenient for users who usually do not get access reliable Internet connections. The upgrade will now allow the app to conduct visual translations in 37 languages by simply clicking the photos of the text and 27 languages through video recording. Voice conversations can also be translated in 32 different languages, reports Bidness Etc.

While Google offers translations for 37 languages, Microsoft supports translations for up to 50 different languages through voice and text, reports Tech Radar. With the recent launch of Windows 10, Microsoft is strengthening its services across all devices. Microsoft translator app was initially available through Bing and Windows devices but now the app will be available for Android and iOS based devices, which also includes Android Wear and Apple Watch.

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