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Sharp and IBM to release real-time translator
The hardest part about traveling abroad is feeling cut off from locals because you don't know the language. That could change as soon as by the end of the year, at least if you're traveling in Japan, due to a new product by Sharp and IBM. The small handheld device looks like a PDA, but it translates English to Japanese and vice-versa on the fly. Simply speak into it and have your questions about buying panties from a vending machine translated to what I assume is monotone, stilted Japanese. The plan is to release it to consumers by the end of the year for about $500, making your travels in the Pacific Rim a much less alienating experience, depending on what sorts of things you translate.
By Murcielago05 at 7:50 PM ON 10/04/06
Is that a screen???
What the hell would that before...It should be just a small device, with a tiny screen, big enough for just one word...which would read "english" or "japanese" or "spanish" etc.
These types of devices are deffiniatly needed.
Since learning a new language takes a damn long times...I would know, since I'm currently trying to learn spanish.
By Zaron3d at 1:33 PM ON 10/05/06
And English too apparently.
haha, I kid, I kid.
By shas at 9:57 AM ON 03/26/08
wat technology involved in this device and hw it works? I need more infrmtn abo8 it.
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