The language barriers could be falling away, at least for users of Skype. Microsoft unveiled its Skype Translator technology publicly at the Code Conference tech gathering in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Skype Translator (possibly just a temporary name) allows speakers in different languages to hear the other’s words spoken in their own language, according to a demo introduced by Microsoft’s new CEO Satya Nadella, who described the breakthrough as “magical.”
“you can communicate with anybody without language barriers”
“It is going to make sure you can communicate with anybody without language barriers,” said Nadella, who promised that the product would launch by the end of the year. It wasn’t specified if it would be free or not, but it would certainly be a significant way for Skype to set itself apart from growing competition in the messaging and calling app space.
Accuracy was mixed during the demo, but considering it’s a project not yet officially available to the public, Microsoft will likely have it ready for prime time soon.
While we can’t take advantage of the feature just yet, you can still download the latest version of Skype and look forward to Skype Translator’s launch in the coming months.