To break the language barrier, Microsoft has launched real-time speech translation for video calls on Skype. The feature will allow users to converse with people who speak different languages. The translation will happen automatically, in real-time with the help of Artificial Intelligence. Not only this, users will have the option to make the translated voice sound similar to the user’s original voice. Microsoft says ‘real-time translation’ will be available in group video calling feature and Telephony in the coming months.
In a blog post Microsoft said, “We are launching translation of Skype to Skype video calls in real-time, using your natural voice. This means that you can have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language, and the translation will happen automatically, in real-time, as the conversation is taking place.” The company further added, “This is a huge step forward for Skype, as it makes it possible for people who speak different languages to easily communicate with each other.”
Real-time translation has been available on Skype for years. Microsoft also shared a demo video in the blog post showing two person communication on Skype using live speech translation. The feature is in infacy stages, however, the translation is improved and less jarring with natural voice enabled from what it earlier was.
The new translation feature detect the used languages during a video call by combining speech recognition technology and natural language processing. Users will have an option to activate the use of natural voice. For this, AI will sample your words and tune the translation to sound like you, making the conversation more human.Translations are available for a number of different languages, including English, Spanish, French, German and Chinese.
