Microsoft Translator Overview
Microsoft Translator is a comprehensive, cloud-based multilingual machine translation service provided by Microsoft, integrated into various Microsoft products and services. Here’s a detailed look at what the product does and its key features.
What it Does
Microsoft Translator is designed to facilitate text and speech translation across a wide range of languages and dialects. It is part of Microsoft Cognitive Services and Azure, enabling businesses, developers, and consumers to overcome language barriers in various applications, websites, and tools.
Key Features and Functionality
Text Translation
- The Microsoft Translator Text API allows for text translation between numerous languages and dialects. This service is available through a free tier supporting up to two million characters per month, as well as paid tiers for higher volumes.
- Users can translate selected text or entire documents within Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This feature is accessible via the Review tab in these applications and requires an internet connection and Microsoft 365 or Office 2021/2019 subscription.
Speech Translation
- Microsoft Translator is integrated with Microsoft Speech services, offering end-to-end speech-to-speech and speech-to-text translation. This functionality powers features like the Microsoft Translator live conversation mode, Skype Translator, and the conversation feature in the Microsoft Translator apps for iOS and Android.
Custom Translator
- The Custom Translator feature allows enterprises, app developers, and language service providers to build customized neural translation systems tailored to their specific terminology and industry needs. These customized translations can be integrated into existing applications and workflows using the Microsoft Translator API.
Live Conversations
- The live feature enables up to 500 people to engage in multi-device, multi-language, in-person translated conversations. This feature is available in the Microsoft Translator apps and on the Microsoft Translator website, and it is currently free.
Offline Capabilities
- The mobile app version of Microsoft Translator supports offline use by allowing users to download language packages. This feature is particularly useful for travel or areas with limited internet connectivity.
Additional Features
- Phrasebook: Users can practice important phrases in foreign languages, making it a useful tool for travelers.
- Photo Translation: The app can translate text in photos and screenshots.
- Bilingual Viewer: When translating web pages through the Bing Translator, users can view the original and translated text in parallel, with synchronized highlights and navigation.
Microsoft Translator Pro
- This is a paid, enterprise-focused mobile app that provides real-time speech-to-speech translation. It offers features such as transcription and translation viewing on a single device, offline usage in limited languages, and extensive administrative control over deployment and usage within organizations. It also ensures enterprise-grade security with robust privacy and security features.
Integration and Accessibility
- Microsoft Translator is integrated across multiple Microsoft products, including Bing, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Lync, Yammer, Skype, Visual Studio, and various mobile and desktop apps.
In summary, Microsoft Translator is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of translation services, from text and speech translation to customized solutions for enterprises, making it an essential resource for both personal and professional use.