Skype will offer simultaneous translation – HOME

The service will launch first release for computers or tablets with Windows 8.1 or Surface.

Can two people be without speaking the same language without an interpreter? Skype has launched the tools to try to do so. His last update, still no official release date can speak normally in Spanish with a person to do so in English, and vice versa. Skype Translator has been tested with over 50,000 volunteers in the last two weeks. Openness to other user will be gradual, but the company believes could be available in the next eight months. First will be launched for those with computers or tablets with Windows 8.1 or Surface, Microsoft hybrid. Then, according stresses, Gurdeep Pall, vice president of Skype, reach earlier versions of Windows and various alternative systems

The next step is the transcript of text messages up to 40 languages. “It is very important to the first to take this step, in simple make communication between people who do not speak the same language. “That is, the chat will have real-time translation. In addition, the file can be saved for later reference. Skype, a company bought by Microsoft, does not intend to charge for use but encourage the adoption of the tool both professionally and personally

Pall stresses the importance of innovation. “Never before has done in the last two. decades advances in natural language processing have made this possible. The more you use, the better it works. Simply put, we can say that the system “learns”. It uses what is called machine learning , a form artificial intelligence that analyzes the data and creates patterns from the successes. This also allows discern and be able to translate when speaking with different accents. “” We’ve even included the Klingon “adds Pall, referring to the language spoken by one of the breeds listed in Star Trek .

You can choose between a male or female voice, for now, is not very natural, very similar to the GPS

THE COUNTRY has tested this new technology, and the feeling is a bit strange. If you speak in Spanish and English is also known, the temptation to answer some questions in the native language of the interlocutor is high. However, if done, problems begin. During the half-hour test, the confusion with the partner were sporadic, almost comical. When told it was 50 degrees Fahrenheit in Seattle, the system translated into Spanish a reference to the 50s in that city.

You can choose between a male or female voice, for now, not very natural, very similar to those of the GPS. In the company insist that if the sentence is long, the translation is more accurate. It is logical, as this system has more references for contrast. The company also emphasizes that many errors are due to stoppages in midsentence.