Skype has been working on a new feature called the Skype Translator that serves to break all language barriers where a user can chat with people in other languages in real time. Skype Translator was announced in December 2014 by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at the Code Conference. Using the service, two people speaking different languages are able to have a conversation with the other person’s translations coming on as subtitles at the bottom of the screen. A user will however have to wait until the other person finishes speaking before proceeding to translate. The service combines various aspects such as speech recognition, machine learning into a single program.
Skype has now began the roll out of the beta version of the service for live speech translation feature between Spanish, English, Italian and Mandarin. Users can also use Skype instant messenger on 50 languages. Initially, users were supposed to sign up by filling a form to beta test the translator app but Microsoft has gone ahead and removed the sign up process. Users can now download the application from the Windows Store for Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 preview PC or tablet. Skype has 300 million users worldwide and is asking users to download the app and offer insight as to how the application can be made better.
