Automatic language translators may have eased our job of learning new languages down to the bare minimum. However, purchasing an ideal translator device is a whole new different ball game. The staggering number of choices you get on the market is quite overwhelming. Hence, you need to set a specific list of vital features you require from your ideal language translator device to enhance your purchasing skills.
Here are some of the most crucial factors you should consider before buying a portable language translator.
- Number of supported languages
This, of course, is the most vital feature you should check before making any form of investment. Unlike human translators, digital translation devices come equipped with a wide range of supported foreign languages, well, at least, the major speaking languages. Also, don’t forget to check if the language you’re grinding to get translated is included in the package (obviously, right?).
When it comes to language support – the more, the merrier. It only enhances your flexibility to communicate with people of varied language backgrounds without having to purchase a new device for every other new person with a different dialect.
- Two-Way Translation option
Although this is a rather stock feature in almost all the standard portable language translator devices, some units try to sneak past it. What you’re left with is a one-way translator device that can decipher what the other person is telling you, but that effect is not reciprocated. In brief, a very awkward and uncomfortable situation you don’t want to be a part of.
A two-way translation mechanism, as the name suggests, allows the device to translate both you and your partner’s foreign language to one another. Thus, it provides a smooth and straightforward flow of dialects between the two of you without any awkwardness.
- The quality and genuine nature of translation
One of the most predominant skepticism related to the implementation of an automated translation device is their authenticity, aka, how effective and accurate their translations actually are. As much as we would like these portable devices to provide accurate translations, the hard fact is that they do possess certain limitations in this specific area.
It does not matter if your translation device is capable of deciphering every known language worldwide. If the quality of the translation is underwhelming or rather mediocre, the entire fancy features all go out the window. Hence, make sure the device has an accurate language translation capacity.
- Translation Engine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistance feature
The answer to the above dilemma of how to check the authenticity of a portable translation device is directly related to the number of translation engines and the availability of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance feature it implements.
Translation engine, of course, is the main software based on which the translation mechanism practically functions on your device. This naturally means the higher the quality of the software – the more accurate and authentic your device’s language translation will be. Also, the number of translation engines implemented plays a crucial role as well. (Obviously) The more translation engines used – the better the percentage of obtaining an authentic translation result.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) feature, of course, has become one of the ideal aspects that every digital device should possess. But, why is AI such a crucial feature? This is that one (and only) specific feature that has the capability to recognize if the translation is accurate or not. So, ideally, the AI section is the last stage of filtering the authenticity of the translated word/speech from the system’s translation engine.
- Working mechanism
What you should look in this section is if the device operates with an external Android/iOS app, or if it operates independently. This can help a great deal in enhancing your convenience factor as well. An app assisted device will only work effectively as long as you carry a smartphone with the compatible app. Whereas, an independent translator will perform efficiently even without an additional phone or app.
