NEC develops real-time Japanese-to-English mobile translation software
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 30th 2007 11:32AM
posted Nov 30th 2007 11:32AM
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]
That lady's expression is so freaking me out.
"Please ignore the man with makeup in our product photos, we do not know how he got there."
Time for you to decrease/increase the meds.
Hmmm. Interesting question who really was first. http://jp.blognation.com/2007/11/28/docomo-first-mobile-to-provide-voice-translation/
Day-um! That chicks a babe!
sarcasm
I'd much rather have that language translator used in the film "The Last Starfighter". That would be so awesome to have! =)
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
All your base are belong to us!
domo arigato mrs. bukkake.
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.
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.
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...
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
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).
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.
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.
I see - note to self: the "Joshua Walters market" prospects seem poor. Perhaps exploit OTHER markets?
That ladies expression in the picture says "Great, more stupid American tourists who don't speak Japanese"
Lemme know when they come up with the Common Roach language plug in. I've got some things to say to my apartment mates.
Wouldn't this translation need to work both ways so that English speakers can answer the questions?
Most Japanese have basic English comprehension skills. It`s the total lack of expressive skills that is the problem.
great. the resulting Engrish should be amusing...
what is a japanese word for real time
is it gamba