The Google Translate update coming to Android M is packed with improvements and upgrades such as system-wide translation support, speech-to-speech translation, and the ability to translate text in images. This is possible with Android M's contextual selection for a more Web-like mobile experience.
Android M, the next Google Android operating system, makes use of contextual selection which allows on-screen text in any app to be selected. Google Translate takes advantage of this function unique to Android M to allow for system-wide translation.
In a nutshell, Tech Times reports that Google Translate system-wide translation gives users the ability to select text ffrom anywhere on the screen and translate them. It eliminates the need to copy and paste text and switch between apps. Users can instantaneously translate any word or phrases as long as Google Translate runs in the background.
Slash Gear lists other enhancements to the latest Google Translate for Android M. Now on its 4.3 version, Google Translate has the capacity for auto speech-to-speech translation in 40 languages, allows users to use their fingers to scribble input instead of typing, and image text translation.
Google Translate uses the device's camera to take a photo of text and translate it with superior quality in 26 languages. The app uses optical character recognition (OCR) and built-in Word Lens for text-in-image translations. Word Lens was created by Quest Digital, a startup that merged with Google.
Aside from that, Google Translate for Android M can translate 90 languages and comes bundled with language packs for travelers. It was recently on the news with its integration to Android Wear, enabling built-in text and voice translations on the Android smartwatches.
Google Translate is not the only thing new in Android M. Google's new OS makes the phone function more like a desktop, says Fast Company. Multi-window tasking which opens apps in a single window is possible with Android M but it is still in a tentative stage. There is also app linking that defines which apps to use in opening links, app permissions, and other nifty features.
Google Translate for Android M is now on Google Play Store and has high ratings. However, it is still limited to Android M devices. Customers may have to wait until Android M is officially rolled out to their Android phones.
Join the Conversation