I have seen several mentions of translation apps used on iPhones or iPads. I have purchased one but it needs an internet connection to work. That doesn't seem practical to want to use it in a store or restaurant but first have to get internet connection. Am I missing something? What are others using? Thanks for this and other terrific information I have already received about other topics! Pam
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
My wife takes an iPad Mini. We use it for email and other communications. She has an app for translation. The machine has to be able to connect with a WiFi router to work. WiFi is all over the place so you will generally not have a problem. Sometimes the connection is a hotel lobby instead of your room. Sometimes it is at a McDonalds joint. Its not hard to find a place where a connection is free.
The translation app she uses is iTranslate. I don't know anymore about it than that because I have Google Translate on my Android phone.
Posted by
Indiana
1053 posts
Pam, that is a really good point! I was going to forego purchasing a translation book and just use the google translate on my phone? But I can't use it if I'm somewhere without wifi or connection! Hmmmmm
Posted by
693 posts
Why not use google translate which is free?? You download the Italian language files before leaving home so it works off line. It translates text that you enter and voice. It also has a great feature that allows your camera phone to scan writing such as on menus and it gives you an English translation as you move your camera.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
mph,
"You download the Italian language files before leaving home so it works off line."
AFAIK, Google Translate does NOT have off-line translation capability for iPhones (only Android devices). I also use an iPhone with Google Translate and must have an online connection to use it.
Pamela,
I've found that translation app's are of limited use, since they're awkward to use in real life situations and most of the people you'll be dealing with will be able to function to some extent in English. I'd suggest buying a good Phrasebook (such as the one offered on this website), as it will probably be much more useful.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
For IOS off-line Google translate only works in the camera mode for French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. The downloadable language packs are only available for the Android version.
Posted by
693 posts
Thanks Ken. I use a Galaxy 5 with Android.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
mph,
You're welcome! I've found that the translation apps work to some extent, but after trying the German and French versions with native speakers, I've been told they're not completely accurate (although they do "somewhat" get the meaning across). Language translation technology is still somewhat "primitive" but it's getting better all the time. I have no doubt that at some point in the future, the Star Trek communicator will be a reality.
Posted by
693 posts
Ken I completely agree they are a little clumsy but the few times I have really needed to use google translate I have found it good enough to get across the message (even if the grammar may have been tortured).
I wonder if the non ability to download the files for iOS is a google or Apple decision. We all remember what happened when Apple pulled google maps from their App Store and tried to only offer their own maps!