In another step towards breaking down language barriers, the new version of Microsoft Translator has a group conversation feature. It translates nine spoken languages (over 50 as text) in real time for in-person conversations with up to 100 speakers using their own smartphone, tablet, or PC. 

It's not quite a Babel Fish yet as the translation of the speaker's words appear on other participants screens rather than being audible via an earpiece. However, all members of the conversation can speak in their own languages with the translations working in real time.

See this video which demonstrates various scenarios in which it would be useful: 

Microsoft Translator Version 3.0 is available on Google Play and Amazon for Android/Amazon Fire and on iTunes for iOS with the following features:

• New group conversation feature that enables users to real-time translated conversations with two or more people by connecting their devices 
  
  
• New two-person speech mode that enables two people to have a conversation using the same device

This extends its existing range of capabilities which include:

• Speak or type to translate into over 60 languages 

• Translate images 

• Download languages to translate offline 

• Hear your translated phrase to help you pronounce it

• Look up alternate translations and meanings of a word

• Browse phrasebooks for translations and pronunciation guides for popular phrases

You can also talk to your Apple or Android Wear smart watch to get an instant translation and automatically sync translations between your phone and smart watch. 

For conversation it supports the following nine languages:

Arabic
Chinese (Mandarin)
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish

There's support for voice recognition for simple sentences in nine more languages:

Japanese
Korean
Catalan
Dutch
Polish
Danish
Swedish
Norwegian
Finnish

As well as the app there is the Translator website where you can either start a conversation or join one using a code issued to the person who initiated it. You speak or type in your own language and other participants see messages in their languages.

More Information

Microsoft Translator website

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