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Spoken Japanese-English translation Using Your PDA

Posted by Hemos on from the better-be-a-fast-microprocc dept.

Ewann writes "Yet another step closer to the universal translator: Digitimes is reporting that NEC has announced trials of software for your PDA that listens to spoken English and Japanese phrases, translates them, and re-speaks them in the other language. Should be very handy the next time I'm in Tokyo."

5 of 127 comments (clear)

  1. AYB by cpeikert · · Score: 5, Funny

    How does it translate: "All your base are belong to us"?

  2. We Need This... by IronTek · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you're asking yourself, "why do we really need this," or if you're just a caucasian who likes anime and is just browsing Slashdot, here is why we need this!

  3. thank god! by zenintrude · · Score: 3, Funny

    now i can freak out japanese schoolgirls in perfect understanding of my intentions.

    --
    - colin
  4. Make sure you use headphones by Brento · · Score: 4, Funny

    Stealth is the real advantage. Use a single earbud headphone, and make it look like it's coming out of your cellphone. Then you'll be able to eavesdrop in on the restaurant waiters while they laugh at your bad pronounciation, and find out if the chicks dig your American vibe.

    I wonder if the translations sound as stilted as Babelfish - I don't know that I'd be able to keep a straight face while I used this thing.

    --
    What's your damage, Heather?
  5. Re:electronic babelfish by Yorrike · · Score: 3, Funny
    Just make sure you know how to say "Where can I buy new batteries?", in every language you hope your PDA to translate.

    I would personally prefer a speak in, write out translator - I'd be more likely to pick up the basics of which every language I was emerged in, rather than completely relying on the PDA .

    I don't imagine it would take much to add that feature, if it's not already there.

    --

    Looks can be deceiving. Or CAN they?