Android in-app translation cuts out having to copy text from one app and pasting it into Translate. Image: Google Google has rolled out a new version of its Translate app for iOS and Android, bringing a new offline mode to the iPhone, and the ability to translate from within apps on Android. The update also adds Chinese to Translate's Word Lens live translation feature. In-app translation, dubbed Tap to Translate on Android, cuts out the need to copy text from one app and paste it into Translate and to switch back and forth between apps. Now, if you're using an app such as WhatsApp, you would simply copy the text within the app and a Google Translate button will appear, giving you the option to translate the text right there. While the feature is new to iOS, both Android and iOS will benefit from newly optimized language packs that enable offline translation. Google says it has shrunk these files by 90 percent to around 25MB each.
To set up of Offline Mode, tap the arrow next to the language name and download the package. Google purchased Word Lens in 2014 and integrated the feature into Google Translate last year.
Offline translation also now supports 52 languages with the recent addition of a Filipino language pack. Setting up a language for offline translation can be done by selecting the language and pressing the downward arrow next to the language. Google integrated its Word Lens technology, to let users point their cameras at text and have it translated on-screen. The feature initially focused on European languages, but has now expanded to 29 languages with the addition of Simplified and Traditional Chinese translation to and from English.
This feature also worked offline already, thanks to the that now appear to be integrated with the general language packs. Read more about Google Translate. Related Topics. By registering you become a member of the CBS Interactive family of sites and you have read and agree to the,. You agree to receive updates, alerts and promotions from CBS and that CBS may share information about you with our marketing partners so that they may contact you by email or otherwise about their products or services. You will also receive a complimentary subscription to the ZDNet's Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement newsletters. You may unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time.
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