Back in November we reported the release of Microsoft’s Skype real-time translator preview, the company’s ambitious attempt to bridge the language barrier not only textually, but verbally. The original preview included just English and Spanish for audio translation, although later in April Microsoft added (Chinese) Mandarin and Italian to its list of verbally translatable languages. Instant chat message translation includes 50 more languages.

Skype Translator has so far been available as a separate download for Windows 10 previewers and Windows 8.1 users, although Microsoft recently reported that it will integrate the real-time translation tool in the current version of Skype for Windows 8.1. and also at a later date into Windows 7.

In a blog post, Microsoft wrote that it expects the roll-out of the desktop versions to come sometime at the end of summer 2015. Using the translation app is simple enough, but Microsoft has provided an instructional video anyway. One thing the company advises is that users wear headphones and speak clearly. Early users of the preview noted that while the tool works most of the time, it doesn’t work all of the time, which is not surprising given the nuances of language and complexity of accents – something we’ve already discussed in detail.

The technology will improve over time, as Microsoft reminds us by saying, “Remember: Skype Translator uses machine learning, so the more people use the technology, the better the experience for everyone!” And since Microsoft removed the sign-up requirement in preview and made it a simple download from the Windows Store, the number of testers has increased by 300%, it was reported.

It’s a noble cause bridging the language barrier to the 300 million Skype users around the world, and Microsoft has reported that the tool has already made an impact on people’s lives, including helping a U.S.-based non-profit development organization empower women in Latin America. The question is just how fast will the machine evolve, and how long will it be until the world is babbling across the many tricky language barriers that currently make instant, lucid communication impossible?

Photo credit: Kainet via photopin cc