NEC develops real-time Japanese-to-English mobile translation software

We've already seen the idea of data-to-voice translation passed around, but NEC's latest software is far beyond the drawing board. Reportedly, the firm has developed a system that can understand around 50,000 Japanese words and translate them to English text on the mobile's display in just a second or two. The software was made compact enough to "operate on a small microchip mounted in a cellphone," and was designed especially to help users convert common travel phrases. Notably, it would be technically possible to make the English translation vocal, but according to NEC spokesman Mitsumasa Fukumoto, the firm isn't looking into that possibility at the moment. No word on when we'd see this technology hit the masses, nor if any other language combinations were in the works, but this would certainly make touring English-speaking locales a lot less strenuous for Japanese speakers.

[Via Physorg]

[Anthony @ Nov 30th 2007 11:51AM]

That lady's expression is so freaking me out.

[rock99rock @ Nov 30th 2007 12:22PM]

"Please ignore the man with makeup in our product photos, we do not know how he got there."

[Dan @ Nov 30th 2007 3:10PM]

Time for you to decrease/increase the meds.

[Robert Sanzalone @ Nov 30th 2007 11:54AM]

Hmmm. Interesting question who really was first. http://jp.blognation.com/2007/11/28/docomo-first-mobile-to-provide-voice-translation/

[SteveMB @ Nov 30th 2007 12:04PM]

Day-um! That chicks a babe!

sarcasm

[Rainier @ Nov 30th 2007 12:07PM]

I'd much rather have that language translator used in the film "The Last Starfighter". That would be so awesome to have! =)

[John @ Nov 30th 2007 12:11PM]

the main problem with language translation is that even if you deal with homonyms, you still have to deal with syntax... direct word for word translations are notoriously bad, even for languages much more similar to English than Japanese

[Marco Emerson @ Nov 30th 2007 12:18PM]

All your base are belong to us!

[Matthew Hilario @ Nov 30th 2007 12:24PM]

domo arigato mrs. bukkake.

[Lattyware @ Nov 30th 2007 12:29PM]

real-time English-to-Japanese mobile translation

can understand around 50,000 Japanese words and translate them to English text

So, I'm presuming it's Japanese to English, and not English to Japanese.

Good job there.

[DanielWillis @ Nov 30th 2007 2:17PM]

You got to look at where the technology was developed. If it was here in America it would be the other way. they will eventually come out with the english to japanesse.

[ingus @ Nov 30th 2007 12:36PM]

em, the real problem i see with this is....

phones on the japanese DoCoMo network doesn't work on GMS networks used everywhere else in the world, so why would anyone bring their japanese phone with them on a international trip? unless NEC also makes a DoCoMo/GSM dual band phone, this technology is better served by a PDA or a electronic dictionary...

[DanielWillis @ Nov 30th 2007 2:08PM]

I do agree that this technology would be better suited for PDA's and such. I bet that this technology will not be ready for PDA's for another couple of years. they should do that with most of the language of the world, because my finance has been looking for a German to English(visa versa) translator so she can learn it easier. it's a start

[Jamar @ Nov 30th 2007 11:53PM]

Their newest phones (905i) are all GSM-compatible, so they will work in America. Even older ones (903i/904i) are compatible with AT&T's 3G network (but only 850MHz so it won't work everywhere).

[Tamyu @ Dec 1st 2007 5:04AM]

Because it`s better than just leaving it at home?
I know I take my phone everywhere with me, regardless of whether it`s going to work there or not. I usually use it as an alarm clock and to call people from the airport, etc, when I get home.

I would guess that most Japanese consumers do the same. People get attached to their phones.

[Joshua Walters @ Nov 30th 2007 12:48PM]

Meh, I know enough Japanese to get around, and I still have a few more years worth of classes to take.

I can read and write, and comprehend quite a bit of spoken.

I have a feeling that this wont really do that well.

[gt2378b @ Nov 30th 2007 2:51PM]

I see - note to self: the "Joshua Walters market" prospects seem poor. Perhaps exploit OTHER markets?

[oodanner @ Nov 30th 2007 2:46PM]

That ladies expression in the picture says "Great, more stupid American tourists who don't speak Japanese"

[Dan @ Nov 30th 2007 2:51PM]

Lemme know when they come up with the Common Roach language plug in. I've got some things to say to my apartment mates.

[Garst @ Dec 1st 2007 3:49AM]

Wouldn't this translation need to work both ways so that English speakers can answer the questions?

[Tamyu @ Dec 1st 2007 5:06AM]

Most Japanese have basic English comprehension skills. It`s the total lack of expressive skills that is the problem.

[eric f. @ Dec 1st 2007 10:40AM]

great. the resulting Engrish should be amusing...

[mahesh kamat @ Dec 4th 2007 2:11AM]

what is a japanese word for real time
is it gamba