• Diyan
• On December 16, 2014

Microsoft begins public testing of real-time translation on Windows 8.1 & Windows 10

The real-time voice and text translation tool called Skype Translator is entering the Preview stage as Microsoft now allows users who signed up for the service to download and test the program on their Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 machines.

Skype Translator is an ambitious project to bring instant real-time translation to everyone so users from different countries could communicate with other people around the world without any language barriers. The service is now in the Preview stage which means it works with limited functionality and there could be some bugs. The instant voice translation is now limited to Spanish / English and vice versa. For those who prefer instant messaging, this early version of the program supports 40 languages which is quite nice for an unfinished project.

Here is a brief demonstration of an instant voice translation between English and Spanish.

Microsoft explains that Skype Translator is based on a machine learning system that evolves with the time. The more people use Translator, the more accurate the technology becomes.

There is a special sign-up page for all interested users, but keep in mind the Translator will be rolling out gradually starting from the first users who have signed up. The tool requires Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Technical Preview.

Source: Skype