Google Translate vs. Microsoft Translate, which is better?
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The classic and well-known Google Translator has had a hard time competitor And it is that he no longer plays alone in this mobile translations The company Microsofthas been going strong for some time with its own tool. First on Windows Phone and then on iOS and Android , little by little it is gaining visibility thanks to new functions and features.However, is it as good as Google? What things can one and the other do? Ultimately, which is better?
Much more than simple translators
The Google Translate has been surprising users for some time with a large number of extra functions beyond just translating typed text to 90 different languages Translate from images, translate by voice, writing on the screen or even a mode of simultaneous translation have served to be the reference tool compared to the rest. In this, the Microsoft Translator lags a few steps behind, but not too much. It has the ability to translate text into 50 languages and, thanks to its recent update, it also offers image translation, using dictation by voice or even downloading language packs to continue using the application without an Internet connection
A section in which both applications stand out, offering many more tools to facilitate communication abroad, to speak with people in another language or even to understand a signal. All this from the mobile. Of course, Google does it among more languages.
Image translation
This is the latest move by Microsoft to improve its application on the Android platform In this way, it already allows the user to take a picture of a menu, a sign or a sign, identifying the words that are written on it and showing above its translation into a good variety of different languages (at the moment 21 languages).
In this case, the Google Translator also offers this feature for users who need to know a translation of a text printed in some surface.The difference is that Google makes use of augmented reality, identifying the text and translating it, but using the same calligraphy and adapting it on the image All this in real time, which seems almost magical. Of course, it is necessary to have a constant Internet connection
Voice translation
Google surprised over the past year with the introduction of a spoken translation mode that rivals simultaneous translation Just choose the input and output language, click on the microphone button, speak in one language, click again, and speak in the other language. From that moment on you just have to hold the mobile between the two users and talk so that the application takes care of listening and translate almost instantlySomething that enables oral communication practically in real time
On the other hand, Microsoft has a similar option but it takes a little more time. Instead of translating what the user dictates, needs to process it and take it to the receiver's terminal (it can be a smartwatch or smart watch), where it is emitted on its language. He can respond, getting his message to take the same path to the other user, be translated and sound loudly
Offline translation
Microsoft has been commissioned to build an application really useful for travel All you have to do is pre-download the language pack(s) that you are going to use offline.At the moment it is possible to download 43 different languages, which means a wide linguistic coverage for trips of all kinds. All this using a technology (Deep learning) that does not try to find the literal translation, but manages to understand the phrases and words of the user in a context to offer the most realistic result possible in the other language.
The Google Translate, for its part, also offers a very similar option, although with all the variety of languages that it offers for its translation to the use. Something that covers even more options than the Microsoft application In addition, downloading these language packs allows the use of the translator to through images, although it does not allow simultaneous translation.
Verdict
There is no doubt that Microsoft is doing a good job with your application. However, follows several steps behind the Google tool Which is not surprising, since it has with more years of experience Qualities that can be seen in more extensive options, with more languages available and a more worked user experience
In any case, both applications are available for download via Google Play (Translator of Google, Microsoft Translate) and from App Store (Google Translate, Microsoft Translate) fully free
