Google Translate
The latest version of Google Translate offers major new features that put the app on this list. In the old version, I entered text and Google Translate provided the trranslation. With the new version of Google Translate, I can:
- Type the text, which is the default.
- Speak the text that I wish to translate. When I stop speaking for just a second, Google Translate outputs the original text and the translated text.
- Hand write the text, with my finger. Google translate did a good job of translating my sloppy finger writing.
- Take a picture of a sign. Google Translate sends the picture to their servers for translation.
Both the inputted text and translated text have a speaker icon next to them, for translating the text to speech. There is just one female voice provided, but it is clear and understandable. For the translated text, there are icons to copy the text, share the text, and expand the text to very large print.
The conversation mode takes translation to the next level. With the conversation mode, the input is from the microphone, and Google Translate speaks the translated output. Google Translates also prints the inputted text and translated text on the screen. It is not the fastest way to have a conversation, but it works. Does this remind anyone of the translator on Star Trek?
