Google and Microsoft, the Tech Giants have their share of applications in many categories. Google has been quite successful with Android's development however we all know the fate with Microsoft's Windows phones. Hence, they did not just limit their applications to the Windows Platform but also brought many of them to Android. One of their most popular applications are Google's Translate and Microsoft's Translator. Here, we will be taking a look as to whether which Translator is better - is it the Google Translate or Microsoft's Translator.
UI :
Speaking of Microsoft Translator Ui, it is dynamic where you get a "Hello" in different languages. Below that are various input methods placed in a circular manner which includes text, voice, image and an additional feature which we will talk about it later.
Overall, the Ui is a personal preference and I understand that the main aim of this app is to translate and not the way how it looks ;-)
Functionality :
In functionality, we will be putting both these apps to test in every category that they can translate, be it direct text, image, voice, etc.
1. Text
Translating via text is straight forward where you enter the text and select the language in which you desire the translation. We used the same sentence on both the apps however the results were slightly different although the translated result meant the same.
We can choose to share the result, pin it and even obtain speech output either in a male or female voice (based on your liking) on the Microsoft's translator app.
On the Google Translate, we get all the features mentioned above barring the pinning option and instead we get a copy to clipboard option which in my opinion is more useful when you translate text from a messaging app.
Reverse translation is also available on both the apps where the languages get swapped.
2. Image
Using image or rather clicking an image to translate is one of the most interesting features on both. However, not all languages are supported. We tried it with an Indian language to finally obtain unusual symbols on the Microsoft's app and the Google Translate just refused to translate since it was not supported.
Few of the languages supported are : Spanish, English, Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, French, Russian and other European Languages.
Languages like Arabic, Hindi and other Indian languages and also other languages with non-English text are at present not supported.
In Google Translate, we tried the image translation with Japanese language. On clicking the camera icon, one will have to align the text to translate. In this case, the text was translated correctly. We can also translate sentences by selecting multiple words however do remember that the 'Detect Language' feature is not supported here. Hence, prior knowledge of what language is to be translated is necessary. This is very useful for travellers who need to decode various sign boards or documents out of their country of origin if they don't understand the language.
Speaking of Microsoft's Translator, this feature is slightly different. Here, the detect language works and it will translate every text available on the screen to the desired language. Although in our rigorous testing we found out that the image feature is more refined and more accurate with Google translate. Microsoft Translator couldn't auto detect Japanese language and when we tried out manually, it took us 2 tries to make it translate although the obtained result was only about 80% correct.
(We used Google translate on another device to test out the image translate feature)
3. Voice
The voice functionality on both worked as expected and in our experience it was flawless. Both were able to pick up what we said and provided the optimum and expected results.
In both the apps we just have to tap on the mic option and speak. Do remember that one must be clear in his/her speech else there will be higher probability of mixing up of words which will end up with wrong translation.
Apart from the single voice command, both the apps allow for mutual translation of both the languages. One additional toggle present on the Google translate is the auto detect feature even with mutual translation. However do remember that when the 2 languages get mixed, the 'auto' itself gets mixed in its algorithms and provides improper output.
4. Additional features
The Google Translate comes with a draw and translate feature. Here, the input is hand written or rather just a written text on the screen. It seems to work flawless however this could be one feature that has no practical use. I wonder who would draw and translate in real life scenarios and waste their time rather the person would just type or rather use voice commands to do so. Anyways here is the demo :
One useful addition in the Google translate is tap to translate. This feature enables a user to translate text directly from any app by just copying the text. Its just like you select a text to copy and a Google translate toggle appears where you can get the results instantly.
Speaking of Microsoft Translator, it comes with a conversation feature which is basically a chat box. Imagine a case where you run an organization and have to converse with clients or employees where everyone do not understand a common language. This chat box will enable seamless conversation with everyone where the messages received in their chat box will be in the language they understand i.e they will receive a translated message.
Such chat boxes can be created by a single person where a code will be generated and the other person can join via the code. This feature makes the Microsoft Translator app stand apart from the Google translate.
(Offline translate is available with both by downloading any language pack)
Summing it up, both these apps offer the basic functionality of translating in a very easy and efficient way. They do come with additional features which we did cover them in the above lines and picking any one out of them becomes a difficult task. It all depends on your usage and the functionality that you desire. If you prefer simplicity and prefer to have features like tap to translate then the Google Translate is the way to go else the Microsoft Translator with its conversation feature stands slightly firm. Overall its a personal choice and we would like to know which app are you using and what are the features that you use the most or rather is your personal favourite.
Download :
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
MICROSOFT TRANSLATOR