If you're looking for an all-in-one app for learning the basics, getting translation on the fly, and getting around in the country you're traveling to you should check out TripLingo. It also features flashcards, quizzes, a word bank, and a whole bunch of other neat features, most of which are available without paying for the premium service. TripLingo is more than just a speak-and-translate app: it's an etiquette hub, a phrasebook, and a travel guide all rolled into one. If those caveats don't discourage you then try Vocre out on iOS and Android. The only drawbacks are the price ($4.99) and the fact that it needs a data connection to function. SEE: 10 tips for traveling IT workers (TechRepublic) It's also powered by Nuance (the company behind Dragon), so you can have confidence in its translation engine. Vocre bills itself as having a 'tabletop interface' that lends itself to easy two-way translation.

If you want a plain interface that translates what you say into a different language and speaks it back then Vocre is what you're looking for. You can get iTranslate for free on iOS and Android. If you want an app to support your language learning and give you an assist while communicating it's only $2.99 a month, which is a small price to pay for a veritable language-learning toolbox in your pocket. Like a lot of iTranslate's features, all the conjugations aside from present tense are hidden behind a paywall. What it does do differently is great for the person trying to learn a new language: it provides conjugation tables. ITranslate does the same stuff as Google Translate: you can speak to it or type in a word and get a translation in the language of your choice. The app is simple to use, the lessons are straightforward, and the app makes you speak to it, which reinforces good pronunciation.ĭuolingo offers a variety of programs and is available for free on iOS and Android. Duolingoįor those who want to learn a new language instead of just sidestepping the barrier with technology, Duolingo is a good mobile choice.

You can also download language packs in order to use the app without using data. It's far from perfect, but that kind of augmented reality is the future of on-the-fly translation.

Simply point your camera at a sign, menu, or even handwriting, to get an instant translation right on your screen. Google Translate really impresses with its instant visual translation capability.

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