Pilot- The translation earpiece
The technology that has taken the language world to a new level, but how far can it really go in benefiting its user?
An ear piece called Pilot that provides near real-time translations of multilingual conversations is what New York start up Waverly Labs is claiming.
Has this replaced the joys of learning a new language? Proven to improve your memory, allowing you to meet new people and expand career potentials.
The introduction of this new technology would also have to ensure the same level of fast, fluently precise and culturally intelligent attributes of an interpreter if it was to be of any use within our sector.
We provide professional interpreting sessions between client and freelancer for a wide range of services and intricate topics, in areas such as international business, law and health. We understand that accuracy and professionalism is required from each of our freelance professionals so each assignment flows with ease, accuracy and with no crucial misunderstandings.
Will the Pilot understand syntax, meaning and more complex grammar or dialects? Currently when you enter words into online translation services the moment a string of words becomes just a bit more complex, the "translation" does not make sense.
How will languages that have a different word order, those that put the verb at the end and words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings, be correctly translated?
‘Earpiece Translates Real-Time Conversations’, but with real-time emotions?
Touch, tone of voice and feelings, are all human qualities that distinguish us. An interpreting session provides a unique experience allowing the client to convey their personal thoughts and feelings. As an interpreter has to be impartial, the client’s emotional displays are crucial so as not to be misunderstood.
Regardless of potential human barriers it is also going to rely on several weak-link systems; it'll need a clear signal from its in-built microphone, which will need to convert that signal from speech into text in both speakers' languages.
Then it'll need a good, effective translation and In particular, it'll need to operate quickly whilst translating each language in a conversational tone, taking into consideration the subject matter.
Finally, it will need to convert the translation from text to speech and send it back to the ear. It will need to be able to do all these tasks concurrently if the other person keeps talking while it's processing all the information.
If cutting costs to the translation sector is one of the aims of the Pilot, Waverly Labs may want to consider the quality of the user experience because ultimately we need to ensure we are providing the best chance of enhancing a person’s quality of life.
Will this revolutionise our industry? Only time will tell.
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
