Skype Translator Preview targets desktop app roll-out

Skype Translator Preview testbed to widen further after Windows 8.1 and Windows 1 expansion

Microsoft will let users of its Skype for Windows desktop app try out Skype Translator by the end of summer, as it expands its customer testbed further.
Redmond plans to roll out its preview of Skype Translator to the desktop app around August, after opening up the trial to Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 users last month.
Since allowing users of these operating systems to download the preview straight from the Windows Store, Microsoft saw a 300 per cent rise in uptake, it claims.
Previously, testers were required to sign up and wait to be admitted to the scheme before being able to directly translate speech to and from English, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian and Spanish.
Skype’s product marketing manager, Yasmin Khan, said in a blog post yesterday that a greater number of users would improve the translating technology.
“We are thrilled with the positive response from around the world, and especially thankful to ALL of the early adopters who downloaded the application, and use it every day,” she wrote.
“Remember: Skype Translator uses machine learning, so the more people use the technology, the better the experience for everyone!”
Currently, the Skype Translator preview can translate between English, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin, as well as 50 written languages in its instant messaging function.
More users means the machine learning behind the app can improve its understanding of phrases and accents to become more accurate.
Microsoft said it will add more languages to the app as they meet its quality standard.
The new version of Skype Translator also allows support for translating to and from French and German too, although Microsoft hasn't revealed what other new goodies the latest version includes.
Microsoft launched Skype Translator last December and, initially, only a select number of people were able to use it. Khan highlighted one of the early adopter testers in a blog post, praising non-profit development organisation Pro Mujer based in New York. The company provides women in Latin America with financial, health, and human development services and is using Skype Translator to communicate with them.
"We are very proud of Pro Mujer’s mission, and we’re delighted they’re finding value in using Skype generally, and Skype Translator to make an impact in so many people’s lives," Khan said.
Earlier in the year, we looked at what you can expect from the automated translation service. Read on to find out more...
What will it do?
Skype Translator will work by providing voice translation in near real-time along with an onscreen transcription of what you have said. The Preview will translate video conversations carried out in English and Spanish. The Preview will also translate text in over 40 languages. 

"The preview stage is critical to the development and advancement of Skype Translator as it allows customers to use the product and provide valuable feedback, which in turn will help us improve the product and consequently, help the technology get smarter and learn more languages," Skype said in a blog post.
What do you need?
For a chance to test drive the Skype Translator Preview service, you need to register.
You’ll need a machine running Windows 8.1 or the Windows 10 Technical Preview to use the software. Support for various platforms including Android, iOS and Mac is expected to be rolled out when the service is officially launched.
Does it work?
Yes. Microsoft has been working on speech-to-speech translation for 10+ years. To deliver the service, the firm has worked with specialists in the language and translation fields, and leveraged technology from core departments including Skype, Microsoft Research and Bing.
With the technology close to being rolled out in beta form, Microsoft has provided demonstrations at various events this year.

Skype Translator could be for language what Google was to search.

The first public demonstration of Skype Translator occurred in May 2014 at the inaugural Code conference. Skype was used to translate a conversation from English-to-German and vice versa during a video call.
A similar demonstration was carried out on-stage at its Worldwide Partner Conference in July.

As it's still in beta form, translation isn't always perfect. However, as the system uses machine learning, the more conversations it translates, the better it will become.
What are the benefits?
Skype Translator could be for language what Google was to search. It will give people who may not have the means to learn a new language the chance to communicate. The service will no doubt be used for educational purposes and could even help worldwide leaders to communicate effectively.
Businesses are also expected to receive a huge benefit. Having a real-time translator will increase transatlantic communication between colleagues, and potentially help businesses build contacts and break into foreign markets as it lowers the cost of communication.
This article was originally published on the 26/11/14 and has been updated multiple times (most recently on 09/06/15).  

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