Travel Tip Tuesday | Travel & Translation
How to Break the Language Barrier
There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to communicate with others especially when you are traveling. The language barrier is sometimes the most difficult challenge to overcome - but now you can with a handy little device called Pocketalk. Many travelers want to be more immersed in the country that they are visiting through conversation. Pocketalk is a mobile translator device that supports 82 languages and works in 130 countries making communication easy.
Translator devices work much faster than cell phones because they are designed to translate. If you have ever used Google translator on your phone you know it takes a long time and makes strange choices or errors. Our favorite translator is Pocketalk. We think it is the best all-around translator device, easy to use and works with a simple click of a button. After the initial set-up, all you need to do is input your language and the language that you want to translate to. After that, all you have to do is press the main button and speak, then let go.
Pocketalk allows travelers to experience meaningful conversations in new places. It is really interesting to watch the device translate your spoken words on the screen instantaneously while you are speaking and the accuracy is incredible. The translator uses a speech-to-text engine to capture your words and then uses a text-to-speech engine to convert the translation into audio for the receiving party to listen to.
One of the best features of Pocketalk is that it comes with a built-in Global SIM card that gives you internet access in 130 countries. This is because all translations take place in the cloud. Having a built-in Global SIM card means you don’t have to stress about finding free wi-fi access to use it. You get two years of free data after purchasing the device and the plan is $50 a year after that. The battery is good for almost five hours of continuous use and takes about an hour to recharge.
Pocketalk also has a built-in camera. If you take a photo of a sign at an airport or a photo of a restaurant menu, the camera
instantly translates the text on the signs. This camera feature currently works on 55 languages of the 82 supported languages. The device can also figure out foreign currency exchanges and temperature.
A translator device, like Pocketalk will allow small group travelers to communicate with people they meet during their trip giving them a more meaningful experience. And, when you don’t speak the local language and want to have a conversation, this device is handy to have.