If you’re learning a new language, travelling in a foreign county, or simply needing to translate an unfamiliar language email or website into your own, the Google Translate app for your Android smartphone has you covered.
Google’s powerful translation service is deeply embedded into the Android operating system and can instantly translate words, phrases and web pages between dozens of languages.
Here are some tips from Alcatel to help you make the most of Google Translate on an Android smartphone:
1. Point your camera at foreign language text to get a translation
If you need a translation of a sign or menu in a foreign city, you can use your phone’s camera and the Translate app to translate the text with a live overlay on your display. You can also translate text in photos you’ve already taken.
2. Tap to Translate
This feature is handy if you get a lot of messages or emails in another language. Enable it in the Translate settings and you will get a translation bubble whenever you highlight text. No more switching between Google Translate and other apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to figure what that message in Spanish means!
3. Translate spoken words and phrases
Google Translate can translate spoken conversations on the fly, with support for more than 30 languages. Each party simply needs to speak into the phone for instant translations—very handy if you need directions when travelling or when you just want to order the right dish from a waiter who doesn’t speak your language.
4. Use offline translation
Mobile connectivity can be expensive and patchy when you’re travelling in a different country. You can download a language to your smartphone with Google Translate, so that you have access to translations even when you don’t have access to a reliable internet connection. Offline downloads don’t support speech input, but typing and camera scanning both work normally.
5. Save translations in a phrasebook
You can keep translations you’ve used in the past in a phrasebook. You can see the translations in your phrasebook even if you aren’t connected to the internet.