Need to translate languages on the fly? One option is Microsoft's Translator app, which can translate more than 60 languages via text or voice.
It can speak a translated phrase so you hear how it's pronounced, translate signs and other images into a different language, and perform real-time translations between two or more people.
Microsoft offers a few options for translation, including the Microsoft Translator webpage and Bing Translator site, but the Microsoft Translator mobile app lets you translate text when you're out and about.
The Microsoft Translator app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows 10; all three work similarly and offer the same basic functionality. The iOS and Android flavors even look the same, while the Windows 10 edition sports a different layout. For this article, I'll be using the iOS version on an iPhone.
Translating Speech and Text
The app greets you with a screen showing four key options: convert your spoken words into a different language; convert your typed text into a different language; convert words on a sign or picture into a different language; and translate a conversation among two or more people.
Tap on the microphone icon and speak a word or phrase. The app displays the translated text and pronounces it as well. From the translation screen, you can opt to: pin the translation for future reference; share the translation via email, messaging, Twitter, and other services; choose to see the translation full screen as the app pronounces the translated text; or opt to hear the translated text again. At the bottom of the screen, you can change the source and target languages by tapping on each of the two languages. Tap Close to close the translation screen.
Next, tap on the keyboard icon. Here, you can type the text you want translated. As you type each word, the translation appears underneath. You can then pin the translation, share it with others, view it full screen, and listen to it spoken. Tap Close to return to the main screen.
Translating Pictures
Capture Translation
Set Source Language
Chat Translations
Joining a Conversation
Messaging App
Best Language-Learning Software
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