Microsoft makes strides in direct speech translation, we hope to see it in Windows Phones (video)

6comments
Microsoft makes strides in direct speech translation, we hope to see it in Windows Phones (video)
The speech translation technology of Microsoft has been in the labs for quite a while, and is apparently getting ready for prime time, as Redmond decided to demonstrate what it can do.

It is essentially on-the-fly converting of your words to a different language, and with your own voice to boot. It is not perfect yet, and gets one in eight words wrong on average, but just think about never having to learn a foreign language, and still practice your best sarcastic remarks on the locals when they serve you food that still looks like it's moving.

The software has to be provided first with hours of recordings, so as it can analyze the subtleties of your vocal cords, and then learn to speak Cantonese with them, just like the first voice recognition efforts required you to talk to the computer for quite a while until it gets your brand of crazy accent. Rick Rashid, the head of Microsoft Research who demonstrated the technology, clarified how this became possible:



If anyone is still wondering why do we need desktop-class processors in our phones and tablets, it's features like these that will evidently require all the horsepower your Windows Phone can muster, and we hope this direct translation tech will arrive soon to our handsets. The fun starts about 5:30 into the video below, but it is worth watching in its entirety. 

via TNW

Video Thumbnail
Can’t get enough of mobile tech?
Subscribe to access new exclusive content and perks.
You can still enjoy the standard PhoneArena experience for free.
  • In-depth reviews, tests & analyses
  • Expert opinions on the latest trends
  • Live community events and games
  • Ad-free browsing, discounts and more
Start Free Trial See the latest subscriber-only articles

Recommended Stories

Loading Comments...
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless