Universal Translators are here and they are cheap

This is just super cool.

Stick the device in your ear and you will get a real time translation.

Not sure if it can tackle Klingon yet, but I am sure it's coming


www.boredpanda.com...

Good start, but no doubt will only work with like style languages, latin based for english no problem outside of a few grammar issues
But get someone speaking Chinese or Japanese and expect word salad like google translate. Still, its no doubt invaluable for basic communication in foreign lands. No doubt a great aid in learning foreign languages also

Judging by how a lot of voice operated devices work there are going to be some severe misunderstandings between people.

"You said what?"

originally posted by: Phage
Judging by how a lot of voice operated devices work there are going to be some severe misunderstandings between people.

"You said what?"

you know, that actually sounds like a lot of fun.

Good luck. A smaller processor than a phone that already can't txt to speech.

"Where is the store?"

Translation..

"Wear this on your sore", or "Your mothers a bore"

"No, I said store"

"Nearest ipad store"

Ugh.

Cool idea, im interested in the voice recognition software. Would like to see testing, I bet it can't process fast enough.

Everyone would look like a football coach, as they touch their ear, cock their heads, and listen for the translation to process, then read back.

a reply to: thinline

My money, transact, the present.

a reply to: Mandroid7

Instead of of your mother is a bore, it probably would say whore and start a fight.

I would be more worried that it will slow down assimilation. Why learn the language when you can let technology translate for you.

originally posted by: thinline
a reply to: Mandroid7

Instead of of your mother is a bore, it probably would say whore and start a fight.

I would be more worried that it will slow down assimilation. Why learn the language when you can let technology translate for you.

Well, you are hearing both. Its not blocking the persons voice, just translating after, so you are bound to pick up words through repetition faster than if you simply sat and tried to study a thousand different vocabulary words without active context.
If a person is trying to learn a language, that is like having a teacher in your ear..and if someone isn't wanting to learn the language, they can use it for just getting to the basic point of what they want (Find alcohol place?)

But this stuff can be done on a smart phone anyhow..this is just a bit more convenient

a reply to: thinline

this is the kind of stuff we need to go viral. Retailers should employ them in their stores so I can actually communicate with the people that work their in English and hey understand me. I'm getting tired of speaking Spanish. It makes my head hurt.

a reply to: chr0naut

Ha ha..good one. but you forgot one word 'silence'

I like the idea.
Though for a couple of generations, this tech is likely to be the same as Python's Hungarian phrasebook.

a reply to: SprocketUK

Closer to a bable fish, I think.

I could never figure out how to get that thing from the dispenser into my ear.

Cool idea, but I prefer to talk to people old school.

In a relationship, and using this? No way, much more interesting to have the misunderstandings, and fun therein, I think.

a reply to: 1984hasarrived
At least that way you can just say "I don't understand", instead of "you say what!?"

The goodwill tongue of a country will device proudly. Cannot only wait for juices! Translations the instant!

originally posted by: Phage
a reply to: SprocketUK

Closer to a bable fish, I think.

I could never figure out how to get that thing from the dispenser into my ear.

Physically yes, though I bet the translations could be as laughably funny as either.

originally posted by: jappee
a reply to: chr0naut

Ha ha..good one. but you forgot one word 'silence'

Absolutely, cheerz!

a reply to: Phage

Or, if you are British : "Excuse me terribly, but I have no idea what you are talking about"

This could literally change the world.

Wonder what version 2.0 will be able to do.

In 10 years you'll probably be able to buy these for $5.

Everyone will have them.

On a global scale the impact of this device could be phenomenal.

What would a world with no language barriers look like?

a reply to: abe froman
Pretty much what it would look like otherwise.

Anyone who matters speaks English.