Microsoft starts taking sign ups for its Skype Translator preview
Back in May, Microsoft execs took the wraps off the company's coming Skype Translator, due to hit preview for Windows 8.1 users before the end of this calendar year.
On November 3, Microsoft began soliciting applicants for that limited preview program.
Microsoft is describing Skype Translator as a "brand new feature from Skype." Microsoft officials have been demonstrating real-time language translation for at least two years. The coming Skype Translator will provide two-way translated communication using Skype and video.
Skype Translator will translate selected languages in real time between the participating parties. It will display an on-screen transcript of the call and provide translated Skype instant message chats in 45 languages.
The initial preview will be available in "a few" unspecified languages only at first. It will be expanded to more languages and more operating systems and device types at some point in the future.