Remember the Universal Translator from Star Trek? How about the Babel Fish from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? Those amazing devices (or creatures) that instantly translate spoken languages are pretty far-fetched, right? Well, perhaps not.
Skype Translator was released this week as a free download that works on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (preview) devices. It offers real-time speech translation in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Italian, as well as Instant Message translation for more than 40 languages. It is currently in “preview” form, which means that it still has some kinks to work out, but each conversation via Skype Translator will help improve the program. Even at this early stage, though, a tech writer recently called it the "most futuristic thing" he’s ever used! So, if you’re running Windows 8.1 on your computer or phone and have family, friends, or colleagues that speak Spanish, Italian, or Mandarin, give it a spin.
For now, the Library will have to wait until support for Windows 7 arrives before we can install Skype Translator on our computers. But, in the mean time, the Community Technology Center offers one-on-one appointments to help you get this up and running and/or answer any Skype or Windows 8 questions you may have. And if you’re new to Skype, or just need a refresher, we also teach a Skype 101 class (please note: Skype Translator is not covered in this class).