Search giant Google has announced that it has purchased Quest Visual, developer of the Word Lens translation app.
It is believed that the internet giant – whose predominant feature is the search engine that keeps SEO firms worldwide alert to changes in the field – will use the company to develop its Google Translate service, turning it into a more fluent and useful tool for those wishing to decipher foreign languages.
Quest Visual is the company behind translation software called Word Lens. This service deciphers printed words in real-world situations and environments, such as a road sign or a menu. Users only have to point the camera of their device at the item they wish to read, and the technology behind Word Lens will instantly change it into the language of choice. Thus far, the app can be purchased on devices with Android and iOS, as well as the California-based enterprise’s own Google Glass.
The deal was confirmed by the developer via a post published on its website, which stated that:
“[…] by joining Google, we can incorporate Quest Visual’s technology into Google Translate’s broad language coverage and translation capabilities in the future.”
At the moment, Google Translate has the ability to analyse text and generate rough translations that are not entirely accurate. However, the company is hoping that by joining forces with Quest Visual, it can enhance its own services – which could see Translate increase in popularity.
Google Translate launched in 2006 and is now able to decipher more than 70 languages.
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