Translation technology

Language and Translation Technology

Plain-language explainers for the technologies behind your favorite translation apps — from speech recognition to offline modes.

Language
Language

Language Coverage Explained

There are about 7,100 living languages. Translation apps cover a few hundred at most. Here is how coverage maps to population, and how big the remaining gap really is.

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Basics
Basics

Machine Translation Explained

A plain-language guide to machine translation: transformers, attention, training data, LLM translation, and what makes one app more accurate than another.

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Basics

Neural Networks Explained (for Translation)

A gentle introduction to neural networks for translation-app users: embeddings, attention, training versus inference, and why bigger models translate better.

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Input
Input

ASR Explained: Automatic Speech Recognition

Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) is the technology that turns spoken words into text so translation apps can translate your voice.

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Input

Picture Translation Explained

Learn how visual translation works, when it beats typing, and which translation apps have the best camera features.

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Input

Voice Fence Explained

A voice fence gates the microphone so bystanders and room noise never reach the translator. Learn how the gating works and which apps have it.

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Output
Output

TTS Explained: Text-to-Speech

Text-to-Speech (TTS) converts translated text into natural-sounding speech so you can play it aloud in another language.

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Modes
Modes

Conversation Mode Explained

Conversation mode lets two people speak their own language and still understand each other. Learn the pipeline, its limits, and which apps do it best.

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Connectivity
Connectivity

Device-to-Device Translation Explained

Device-to-device translation lets multiple phones join the same live conversation. Learn how it works and which apps still support it.

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Connectivity

Offline Translation Explained

Offline translation lets you translate text, voice, and pictures without an internet connection. Learn what to download before you travel.

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