After rolling out some AI-powered goodness to its Android and iOS Translator apps in mid-April, Microsoft is now turning its attention to the Windows version. The company has shipped a pretty major update to the Translator app for Windows 10 that includes Cortana integration, Windows Ink support, and much more (via MSPU).
The addition of Cortana integration means that you can use Microsoft's digital assistant to either start or join a conversation in supported languages. All you have to do is use phrases like "Hey Cortana, start a conversation in Translator," or "Hey Cortana, ask Translator to start a conversation." The feature is supported in Chinese Simplified, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese.
With Windows Ink support, you can now write out text with your mouse or, on devices that support touch, a stylus, and have it translated. That's in addition to new offline language packs that give you access to neural network-powered translations when you don't have an internet connection. The update also packs in a phrasebook and dictionary that includes more than 200 "essential phrases and words," Microsoft says. These can be saved so you can access commonly used phrases from your Favorites list.
Lastly, the new "Live conversations" feature lets you join and participate in multilingual conversations across multiple devices. This feature is built for either one-on-one or group conversations and works by sharing a "conversation code" with people that you'd like to speak with. From there, you can speak or use the keyboard on your device and your words will be translated to the languages of the other participants on their devices.
All of the new features are available to check out now in Microsoft Translator version 5.2.0.0 on the Microsoft Store.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The semiconductor crisis is worsening and industries are clashing
Countries and companies are scrambling to boost chip output and combat the ever-worsening global semiconductor shortage. However, solutions aren't materializing fast enough to avoid having entire industries at each other's throats.
Halo Infinite: These are the weapons you can use during the beta
There are plenty of tools of destruction that players have at their disposal during the Halo Infinite beta testing. Here's a complete list of every weapon you can pick up and use.
Intel's two new Arizona chip factories have begun construction
It's been in the works for a while, and it's finally time for steel to be applied: Construction has begun on Intel's $20 billion investment in new Arizona-based chip factories.
The NFL is back! Check out these must-have Windows apps for football fans
After months of waiting through the offseason, the NFL is finally back this week. With these Windows 10 apps, you won't miss a snap of the NFL action.