Google Translator Gets Smarter With Real-Time Language Detection

Google has majorly updated its Google Translate mobile app. The update brings promises to expedite the translation process while on the move.

As rumored, the new version includes automatic language detection in conversation mode, so having a conversation between two people who don’t speak the same language is actually possible. Once you’ve selected the two languages being spoken, Google Translate can now tell which one is being spoken at any moment. With no need to manually toggle them, conversations can be more natural.

Another big update is the integration of the World Lens tool in the app. Google acquired the Word Lens technology last year when it bought Quest Visual, a start-up founded by former video game developer Otavio Good. Word Lens uses video mode in smartphone cameras to scan scenes, identify writing and then display it as if it were written in English.

While the Google Translate app already lets you convert words into 36 languages using your phone’s camera, this process will become more or less instant. So you can basically hover your device in front of menus, road signs, and more, and see the translated text overlaid on the screen immediately without any internet connection.

The updated apps aren’t live yet, but the refresh will be rolling out starting today, according to Google’s blog post.

Thanks to technological advancements, the barrier of language is rapidly disappearing with such tools. It may not solve all problems, but at least travel and tourism will get easier for many.