Apple has added a standalone translator app to iOS 14 that is completely native and can also work offline. The so-called Translate app has some useful features that are helpful both when learning a new language and when having conversations with other people. We summarize all the features below.
The Translate app has a simple, easy-to-use interface. Switching between languages is easy and can be done from the main screen of the application. In the same area, text can be entered or recorded using the microphone. Of course, copied text can also be pasted. The texts are always displayed larger, with the original sentence in black and the translation in blue. In addition, the iPhone can also play translations when the play button is tapped. This way, users can learn the correct pronunciation directly or can play the whole thing back to someone.
iOS 14 Translate App: Languages
The Translate app can currently translate into eleven languages. These include: Arabic, Chinese (mainland), English (US and UK), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian and Spanish. Apple is expected to add more languages over time, but it is not known which ones they will be next.
iOS 14 Translate app: input options
If you want to have a conversation with a person or are too lazy to type in text, you can enter the text to be translated using your voice. All you have to do is tap the microphone symbol at the bottom of the screen. You can then start the voice input. If you want to cancel the process, you just have to select the small X symbol in the top right corner. The voice input is remarkably good. It is important to note that it only works with languages that are supported by the application.
Screenshot: Apfelpatient
In addition to voice input, text input is also supported
In addition to voice input, text input is also supported. You can, for example, paste copied text or type it directly. To enter text, simply tap the "Enter text" field in the app. An interface will open where you can type or paste it with a tap. You can insert individual sentences or entire sections of text. There are no limitations, as the app can translate both short and long texts in one go. The translated text can then be read or played back.
iOS 14 Translate app: Conversation mode
A particularly interesting feature is conversation mode. This is a nice extension that allows users to talk to other people in a supported language. What is spoken is alternately recorded and played back. To access conversation mode, the iPhone simply needs to switch to landscape mode. The iPhone listens when the record button is briefly tapped and can automatically switch between the two spoken languages and translate. For this to work, however, "Auto-detect" must first be enabled. To do this, tap one of the language fields at the top and then scroll down. You can now activate the function. Note: If you have problems with recognition, deactivating and re-enabling the function may help.
The attention mode
In addition, Conversation Mode also supports a so-called attention mode. This means that in landscape mode, the screen can be enlarged using the arrow icon. This makes the translated text appear significantly larger. This mode is especially useful when someone needs to see the translation from a distance. Please note, however, that this is only worthwhile for short sentences.
iOS 14 Translate App: Favorites & Dictionary
The application also supports favorites. A dedicated section has been integrated for this purpose, containing texts that users favor. These can be certain standard phrases that are used particularly frequently. To save such a phrase, simply tap the small star in the lower left corner of the translation. Favorite text blocks will then appear under "Favorites." A dictionary has also been integrated alongside this section. When a word is translated, the dictionary function appears. This contains both the definition and usage examples—a helpful feature.
iOS 14 Translate app: No online requirement
The Translate app is basically a really useful application that can be used in many different ways and works pretty well. Unlike many translator apps, Apple's solution does not require an online connection. This means that if the language packs have been downloaded, the translations can also be carried out offline. The advantage of this is even more privacy, as no data is exchanged between the iPhone and Apple servers. On the whole, the Application may prove to be a valuable companion for some. AirPods Pro on special offer at Amazon – available now. (Photo by manae / Bigstockphoto)
