VoiceTra is a versatile speech translation application designed to facilitate communication across different languages, particularly useful for travelers and those welcoming visitors to Japan. This free app, available for download, supports 31 languages and features an intuitive interface that allows users to verify the accuracy of translations.
Key Features:
VoiceTra leverages advanced technologies developed by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), including high-precision speech recognition, translation, and speech synthesis. The app converts your spoken words into various languages and delivers the translations via synthesized voice. It also allows for instant switching of translation directions, enabling two people who speak different languages to communicate using a single device. For languages without speech input support, text input is available.
VoiceTra is particularly effective for travel-related conversations, making it ideal for various scenarios such as:
- Transportation: Navigating buses, trains, rental cars, taxis, airports, and transit systems.
- Shopping: Dining at restaurants, shopping, and handling payments.
- Hotel: Managing check-ins, check-outs, and cancellations.
- Sightseeing: Assisting with overseas travel and supporting foreign customers.
Additionally, VoiceTra has been recognized for its utility in disaster prevention and response.
While the app can serve as a dictionary for word lookups, it is recommended to input full sentences to benefit from contextual translation.
Supported Languages:
VoiceTra supports a wide range of languages including Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, Thai, French, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Myanmar, Arabic, Italian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Dutch, Khmer, Sinhala, Danish, German, Turkish, Nepali, Hungarian, Hindi, Filipino, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Malay, Mongolian, Lao, and Russian.
Restrictions and Considerations:
- An internet connection is necessary for the app to function.
- Translation results may be delayed based on network conditions.
- Text input is limited to languages supported by the device's OS keyboard.
- Proper font installation is required for correct character display.
- The app may be unavailable if the server is down.
- Users are responsible for any communication fees, including potentially high international data roaming charges.
- Developed for research purposes, the app uses servers set up for research, and data collected is used to enhance speech translation technologies.
- While businesses can test the app, continuous use is recommended through private services licensed by NICT.
For more detailed information, please review the "Terms of Use" at voicetra.nict.go.jp/en/attention.html.
What's New in Version 9.0.4:
- Updated to support Android 14 as of August 20, 2024.
