AI-based Translation services

Updated: July 31, 2023

AI translation services leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to provide fast and accurate translations between multiple languages. These services analyze vast amounts of multilingual data to improve language models and algorithms continually, resulting in more accurate translations over time. AI translation services are available through various platforms, apps, and online tools, enabling users to effortlessly translate text, documents, websites, and even spoken language in real-time. They support a wide range of languages and can handle complex sentence structures, idioms, and context-specific expressions. While AI translation services have made significant advancements, human translators are still essential for nuanced and culturally sensitive translations. Nonetheless, AI translation services have revolutionized how businesses and individuals communicate globally, breaking down language barriers and fostering better understanding and collaboration across different languages and cultures.

See also: Top 10 Online Translators

2022. Mozilla brings free, offline translation to Firefox



Mozilla has introduced a new translation tool for Firefox that eliminates the need for cloud processing by conducting machine learning-based translations directly on users' computers. This significant advancement is a departure from relying on industry giants like Google and Microsoft for translation services. The tool, called Firefox Translations, can be easily added to the browser. Upon initial use, it may download necessary resources and potentially update models for improved translations, but the actual translation process occurs locally on the user's computer, rather than in a remote data center.


2018. Microsoft Translator gets offline AI translations



Despite the fact that most translation apps continue to function offline, they are unable to utilize the machine learning algorithms that drive their performance. This limitation also applied to the Microsoft Translator app on Amazon Fire, Android, and iOS—until now. As of today, the app has been updated to run a slightly modified neural translation even when offline. Remarkably, Microsoft has achieved this without requiring a specialized AI chip in modern smartphones, making it accessible on a wide range of devices.


2015. Google Translate now does real-time voice and written text translation



The mobile app for Google Translate on Android and iOS has received an impressive update, enhancing its capabilities even further. The latest update introduces two remarkable features: real-time voice translation and sign translation. While the app has previously offered image-based translation, these new features provide instant translation with zero delay, and the best part is that they work offline, making it incredibly useful for frequent travelers. To translate a sign, you simply need to point your camera at it, ensuring it is captured completely, and the app will promptly provide the translation. The real-time voice translation feature is equally impressive, acting as an intermediary for conversations between individuals speaking different languages. By tapping the in-app microphone once and initiating the conversation in the foreign language, the app recognizes the language and allows both parties to communicate. As the conversation progresses, the app continuously generates text-based translations in real-time, effectively breaking down language barriers.


2014. Video: real-time voice translator in Skype


Microsoft's Bing Translator, an online translation service, has always been overshadowed by Google Translate. All the advancements, such as full text translation, mobile support, voice recognition, and translation playback, initially debuted in Google Translate before being replicated in Bing Translator. However, Microsoft has now taken the lead. During the CodeConf conference, Satya Nadella showcased a voice translator in Skype that can recognize phrases in one language and play them back in another (almost) instantly. This breakthrough enables individuals from different countries to communicate in their native languages. Currently, the feature only supports English and German, but Satya mentioned that a working version with additional languages will be available in Skype before the end of this year.