Nokia has introduced a multi-language translator that works via text and voice on its Lumia range of smartphones, allowing users to translate words into 32 languages using their camera.
The Bing Translator also translates voice in major languages, including Arabic, Spanish, and French.
King’ori Gitahi, Nokia’s head of product for East Africa, said the app will break language barriers especially for tourists and other travellers in foreign countries.
“Gone are the days of staring blankly at the menu in a foreign restaurant and relying on the pictures for reassurance. Bing Translator app is your very own personal assistant when it comes to understanding what’s being said, or what’s on the menu,” Gitahi said.
The app works in an online and offline mode, with users advised to download language packs for a number of countries before they embark on travelling.
It does not require users to take a photo of the words to translate.
Voice translations will however require internet functionality to translate from spoken word with the app helping the user talk in foreign tongues.
A statement said: “If you need to ask somebody where the nearest public toilet is, for example, just say it into the phone and you’ll be presented with a written version along with a speaker icon.
“When pressed, this will read out your translated phrase in the language you’ve selected.”
