Skype Translator Preview now available to all -- ¡Una gran noticia!
I find it incredibly frustrating that the world has more than one language. True, there is beauty in different languages, but it is not ideal from a communication standpoint. Not to mention, it makes traveling a chore. When I went to Europe, most people spoke English, but when they didn't, I felt a bit vulnerable -- what if there was an emergency and people couldn't understand me? Scary stuff.
Luckily, technology is bridging the language gap; lessening, and potentially eliminating the barriers between two speakers of different types. While there are many low-level text solutions, such as Bing and Google Translate, the most exciting is Skype Translator, which also works in live audio/video chat. Currently in preview, Microsoft's solution used to require a sign-up to test it -- not anymore. Today, it becomes available to all, including you!
"Skype Translator allows you to translate your phone and video calls live between English and Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, and Spanish. If your language is not covered yet, no problem! You can also translate Skype instant messages across all 50 languages supported by Microsoft Translator", says the Microsoft Translator Team.
The team further explains, "today, we're excited to announce that we're making it easier to obtain the Skype Translator preview by removing the sign-up requirement. Simply download the Skype Translator preview application from the Windows Store for your Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 preview PC or tablet -- no waiting or sign-up needed -- use it as soon as you download it!"
This software has huge potential, not only for personal communication, but business too. If you have customers and partners around the world, it is almost impossible to hire employees that speak every language, let alone the most common. Small businesses in particular will have difficulty. Skype Translate may make international business far easier.
As you can see in the video above, Skype Translate is already making a positive impact. Microsoft's software is literally making the world a better place; something few software developers can realistically claim.
If you are running Windows 8.1 or higher, you can download it here. Tell me what you think in the comments.
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