Word Lens video-based language translator arrives on Android
updated 05:12 pm EDT, Fri July 6, 2012
Android app translates text in live camera feed
Quest Visual has ported its video-based translation app to Android. Word Lens ($5, Google Play) uses the handset's camera and displays the live feed on the screen with all visible words in a selected language translated into another instantly, as if they were quickly "Photoshopped" into the live video.
Although the app does not perform perfect translations, it aims to help users understand the general meaning of a word or phrase. It is said to encounter trouble interpreting stylized fonts and handwriting. Entering words and phrases manually for translation also works as a last resort. The app does not require an Internet connection for translation, which is handled by the handset.
Previously a free app on iOS (App Store) that relied on in-app purchases for extra language packs, the paid Android version comes with one language pack and provides options to purchase others. Current add-on packs enable two-way translation between English and Italian, English and French, and English and Spanish. Users of the iOS version who had bought one-way language packs have been upgraded to include the other language translation direction at no extra charge. [via Gizmodo]
