Millions of Microsoft Teams users are about to get a new translation feature, no AI required

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Millions of Microsoft Teams users are about to get a new translation feature, no AI required

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Teams will soon have bidirectional support for translated languages.
  • The feature allows interpreters to switch the translation direction between different languages with the push of a button.
  • To use the feature right now, you have to be a member of the Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Targeted release on Windows or macOS.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with a knack for navigating through digital landscapes, I must say the latest development from Microsoft Teams has piqued my interest. The bidirectional support for translated languages is a game-changer, especially for those of us who frequently find ourselves in multilingual meetings.

In simpler terms, Microsoft Teams offers real-time language interpretation during meetings, enabling professional translators to join non-encrypted sessions. This feature is utilized by countless individuals worldwide to break down language barriers. Soon, interpreters will have the ability to switch the direction of language translation with just one click.

The testing phase is underway for a fresh feature, aptly named “Two-Way Language Translation Support.” This innovative tool allows an interpreter to switch the target language for translations by simply touching or clicking a screen icon. Consequently, this eliminates the need for a second interpreter or extra translation devices during bi-directional meetings.

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As an analyst, I’d advise that to utilize this feature, you must belong to either the Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Targeted release group. Notably, this bi-directional language interpretation functionality is accessible on both Windows and macOS platforms. It’s important to highlight that when testing this feature with other users, it isn’t necessary for all participants to enroll as preview members.

In 2022, Microsoft introduced interpretation capabilities into their Teams platform. Although numerous applications, such as Teams, provide automated translation services across different formats, these functions do not offer the same level of accuracy as a human interpreter does.

Microsoft outlined how the feature works in its Tech Community post:

  1. When an interpreter joins a Teams meeting for which they are providing translation services, a notification will appear calling out the language translation indicator at the bottom of their screen.
  2. The language that the interpreter is currently translating into (the one attendees hear) is highlighted in the indicator at the bottom of the Teams window.
  3. The interpreter can select the other button to switch the language they are translating into. They can continue switching back and forth during the meeting as needed.

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2024-09-13 22:08