Google has announced a new version of their "Goggles" search application that can translate text in photos. So basically, using this app, you'll be able to take a photo of anything with clear writing on it and then have it translated into a another language on-the-fly. The prototype uses new machine translation technology and image recognition capabilities developed by Google engineers.Many experts think that this new photo-to-text translation technology will be HUGE, mainly because quality translation services are needed in everything from world travel to global commerce. Imagine being able to go almost anywhere and take a photo of words you don't understand (e.g. a restaurant menu or street sign) and have that text immediately translated into English. Thanks again Google! :)
Learn some mo': Google Goggles to Translate Text in Photos
So just how practical is this in the real world? There would be little need to use it in your home country. The real benefit is when travelling, for business or pleasure. The sting is in the cost of the data charges you’ll incur when using the mobile internet when traveling. With typical data roaming charges of USD10 per 1MB this is going to get really expensive sending pictures to Google’s servers to be translated. With increasing megapixel counts on Smartphones the costs could be crippling - Understanding what you are having for lunch could cost you more than lunch itself! A more practical solution would be to use the browser on your Smartphone to access a translation website optimized for mobile use, like www.freetranslation.com/mobile and type the text you want translated to get an instant translation. A bit more effort than taking a picture but it will be only a fraction of the cost for the data charges. Of course, if you’re a business traveler, have an Android Smartphone and your employer picks up the costs, go ahead.
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