Baidu’s Translator Translates Conversations In Real Time

We’ve been hearing about Baidu’s real time translator since December but now we’re seeing what it’s capable of. At the MIT Technology Review’s EmTech Digital conference, the company’s chief scientist Hua Wu showed how powerful the translator is. #objectmagic

Baidu, China’s biggest search engine, is no stranger when it comes to machine learning and neural networks. It recently announced it had created an artificial intelligence (AI) program capable of replicating a user’s voice after hearing seconds of it. Now, that technology is being used for a device capable of translating from Chinese and Japanese to English and vice versa.

This device has the immediate promise of helping tourists navigate around foreign cities even when they don’t know the language. Unlike translation apps, Baidu’s invention won’t drain a phone’s battery and can be easily carried around in a backpack or handbag. It also doubles as a wi-fi hotpot!

However, Baidu has not yet released its translator to the public. For now, the gadget is leased only to travel agencies and airports throughout China.

Google Pixel Buds also offers a similarly powerful translation services for frequent travelers, but you will need to be connected to your phone.