Google [GOOG] has updated their Google Goggles application for Android, and the update adds a new feature, text translation.
The text translation works by you taking a photo of the text you want translated with your Android smartphone’s camera, the application will then translate the text you have photographed into English.
This could come in handy when you are on holiday, and want to translate menus, and various other documents, and you will be able to translate the text quickly on your Android smartphone.
Practical Uses of Google Goggles’ Text Translation
The Google Goggles text translation feature is particularly useful for travelers. Imagine you’re in a foreign country and you come across a menu in a language you don’t understand. Instead of guessing what the dishes are, you can simply take a photo of the menu with your Android smartphone, and Google Goggles will translate the text for you. This can also be incredibly helpful for reading signs, instructions, or any other written material you encounter while abroad.
Moreover, this feature can be beneficial for students and professionals who deal with foreign languages. For instance, if you’re studying a foreign language and come across a word or phrase you don’t understand, you can use Google Goggles to get an instant translation. Similarly, professionals working with international documents can quickly translate text without needing to type it out manually.
Current Limitations and Future Prospects
At the moment, the Google Goggles application with the text translation feature is exclusive to Android. There are no details on whether Google plans to roll this application out to other platforms such as iOS. However, given the popularity and utility of this feature, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google decides to expand its availability in the future.
The service currently supports a number of languages including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Google intends to expand this further, potentially adding support for languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic, which are widely spoken around the world. This expansion would make the application even more versatile and useful for a broader audience.
Additionally, Google is known for continuously improving its services, so we can expect enhancements in the accuracy and speed of the text translation feature. Future updates might also include the ability to translate handwritten text or text in complex fonts, making the application even more robust.
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
Gizmodo via Gadget Venue
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