Skype Real-Time Translator Updated With Italian and Chinese Languages

Microsoft has been working on Skype Translator software that automatically translates voice calls between people. This project just received  an update. In the beginning the software supported only English and Spanish languages, but now it’s extended with Italian and Chinese (Mandarin).

“As you can imagine, Mandarin is a very challenging language to learn, even for Skype Translator,” explains Microsoft’s Yasmin Khan. “With approximately 10,000 characters and multiple tones, this is one of the most difficult languages for a native English speaker to master, along with Arabic, Japanese, and Korean.”

Microsoft employees and researchers in China and the US have been testing and building the recognition required to translate Mandarin. The software giant first demonstrated this capability back in 2012, but today is the first time it has been made available publicly. Alongside the two new languages, Microsoft has been listening to feedback to make some tweaks to Skype Translator. [via theverge.com]

If you are interested, sign up to the preview program and test it right away HERE

Microsoft has not yet revealed when it plans to roll out Skype Translator more broadly.

See a demonstration video here