But that hasn’t stopped Microsoft from releasing its own translation app for Android called Microsoft Translator.
Advertisement
So how does it stack up?
If Microsoft Translator can’t decipher what you’re saying, sort of like how Siri, Cortana, and Google Now have trouble understanding spoken words, you can also translate typed text. Through voice recognition, a user can speak into the device, and have it output in one of the 50 languages. You’ll also be able to receive notifications that someone has made edits on any of your documents on OneDrive.
Microsoft’s updated Translator app is available for download from the App Store and the Google Play Store. And if you find yourself in a country that’s not yet supported, Microsoft promises more languages will be added periodically. They’ve announced a whole slew of productivity product updates, this time specifically for wearable and smartwatches, including some for smartwatches running on the Android Wear platform.
In addition, the users of Apple Watch smartwatch will soon get the ability to install Yammer private social network, which will benefit from iOS 8’s Handoff feature with an iPhone. However, no current Wear devices have speakers, so you’ll have to point the watch at the other party to get the point across. “Just say “OK, Google, navigate to…’ to bring up Google Maps” improved turn-by-turn guidance and full-screen navigation view on your watch”, wrote Greenwood.
Advertisement
In my brief use of Microsoft Translate, I found the app quick and simple to use. “No matter where you go, Android Wear lets you stay on track while freeing your hands for an ice-cream cone-or two”, wrote Greenwood.
