Found in Translation
New technology puts the right words on the tip of your tongue practically anywhere in the world
Vasco Mini Translator 2
At $249, this device’s 96 percent translation accuracy is a safe bet to avoid a potentially awkward situation. Communicate in over 40 languages at no cost, anywhere in the world with Vasco Mini’s built-in international SIM card with free Internet. The slim design, with dimensions of 1.73 x 4.44 x 0.47 inches, and weighing in at only 2.4 ounces, the Vasco Mini is both light and compact. The touchscreen has a resolution of 240×320 pixels, and measures 2 inches on each side, which, for its purposes, is sufficient. The Vasco Mini offers:• Processor: MT6735• RAM: 1 GB• ROM: 8 GB• Lithium-ion battery: 1200 mAh• Headphone input: Mini Jack (3.5 mm)• USB: Micro USB• 24-month warrantyDue to its easy, plug and play set up and ability to pronounce 40 languages with native accents, this translator is one of the strongest choices on the market. Out of the box, there’s no need to set up or configure the device. Just turn it on and start translating. Thanks to the company’s servers located on every continent, Vasco Mini 2 works quickly and flawlessly. Connection is made possible by an built-in SIM card that requires no subscription and works in 150 countries.
Hammacher Schlemmer
The 52 Language Two Way Live Conversation Speaking TranslatorLeave it to Hammacher Schlemmer to create a live translator that provides two-way verbal communication between people who don’t share a common language. Each side of the device has an integrated microphone that captures dialogue, automatically translates the message, and “speaks” it to the other person. No need to stop and text message after message; this device allows for “real time” conversation.This foreign language translator verbally translates 12 languages without requiring Internet access including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. When connected to the Internet via WiFi, that repertoire expands to 40 additional languages including Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, and Polish. Charges via AC with included USB cable. The device measures 5 1/2 x 2 x ¾ inches and weighs 5 oz.
Ambassador by Waverly Labs
In May, Waverly Labs, launched a new device called Ambassador, which is worn over-the-ear and can translate fluid continual conversations in 20 languages and 42 dialects. The device works via over-the-ear audio, text on a smart app, or even live in a conference platform. The launch of Ambassador comes on the heels of Pilot, the predecessor of Ambassador, which in itself has sold 40,000 units worldwide. The Ambassador uses an advanced far-field microphone combined with speech recognition networks to capture speech with a high level of clarity. It then processes speech with cloud-based machine translation engines to deliver seamless, fast and accurate translations. Its three modes offer personal, group and one-on-one translations: Listen mode: In this mode, Ambassador actively listens for someone speaking in the selected language within 8 feet, and automatically translates to the user in their native language. Translations are delivered audibly within the device and/or as text with the accompanying app. Lecture mode: In this mode, Ambassador broadcasts the words of a speaker wearing the device to multiple people in a lecture, conference or group setting. Once selected, Ambassador will capture the speech of the user and stream audio translations to a smartphone, which can be played over its loudspeaker or paired to any audio system. Converse mode: This mode allows users to engage in two way communications while each is wearing an Ambassador device (sold in pairs). Each user sets the languages he/she wants to detect and receive, and can configure the Ambassador experience using his/her own smartphone or share a device in guest mode. In this configuration, people can partake in fluid natural conversations with up to four participants, as multiple Ambassador units can be paired with a single smartphone.
The Lingo Voyager 7
This multi-lingual translator offers a high standard of performance and appearance for more discriminating travelers. It is designed to be one’s complete international interpreter. The Lingo Voyager 7 translates words and phrases into foreign language characters, shows you the proper way to pronounce the translation in your native language and then speaks them for you simply by pressing a single button.The Languages included in Lingo Voyager 7 are: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Slovakian, Romanian, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The device translates and speaks over 66,000 travel phrases and “translates over 1,000,000 words”Features include:• 8-line display with backlight• Voice and memo recorder• 8 travel games• 8 metric and 8 currency conversions• Maintains history and a favorites list.• Convenient world time and clock in 360 cities.
MESAY 2This device supports 16 languages and requires Internet connection for better translation. MESAY 2 has a mobile hotspot that turns your translator into a pocket WiFi. This translator has a HD speaker that allows the translations to be loud and clear. It also has a “make friends” function that allows MESAY 2 users to interact with each other. The MESAY 2 features a SIM card, rechargeable lithium battery, 64 GB storage memory, and an LED screen. The device is lightweight and portable, and allows the traveler to speak into the device and have it “talk” back to the recipient almost instantly for smooth and realistic conversation dynamics.In addition, the device boasts a 72 hour battery life on each charge. This is particularly helpful when one is traveling to destinations where an overnight without an outlet is part of the rustic – and linguistically out-of-the-way – adventure.
Ending Communication Calamities
Regardless where one travels on the planet, with the help of the latest in handheld technology, one’s messages should never be “lost in translation.” However, as the above list demonstrates, not all translation tools are made the same. It is important to decide which device is right for you. Inspect the languages available, the price, the battery life, the weight, the ease of operation, and the accompanying technology and level of difficulty required to operate the device.Yet no matter the choice, the technology is available that will make language misadventures far less likely. So gone are the days when a foreign visitor would ever risk asking for a glass of water at a restaurant and have the chef emerge from the kitchen with fire in his eyes and a cleaver in his hand.
