The Tower of Babel is the myth in the Book of Genesis that deals with the world's confusing hodgepodge of languages visited upon humanity by god as punishment for their wicked ways. Language differences have certainly caused many trials and problems for the peoples of this earth. Now Google, Inc. has produced a nifty solution that takes a big step toward bridging language divides with technology.
Google Translate has been around for several years for use in translating text online. The results that it produces have improved over time, but its usefulness was somewhat limited. They have now produced a new and improved version for Android smart phones. I just installed it and it is indeed nifty.
Google's New Language Translation App Is Astonishing
It's not often you download an app on your phone and — without understatement — it just blows you away.
But Google Translate is the most astonishing piece of mobile software I've seen in months.
It's one step away from Douglas Adams' "Babel Fish," the little creature from "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" that you stick into your ear to understand what aliens are saying.
I can speak into my phone and it will translate it into another language of my choice both verbally and in writing instantly. It would be quite practical for having a basic functional conversation while traveling to accomplish necessary task like checking into a hotel or ordering lunch.
I can take pictures of text on a sign or notice and get that translated.
There is also an offline option for when you don't have internet access. It looks like you have to select a specific language pack in advance. I haven't tried that one.
At any rate for people who would like a new toy it is free here.
Android
For those strange people who use Apple phones there's a version here.
IOS
Have fun!