translation

There seems to be no end to the variety of gadgets that the Windows Sidebar enables on the desktop in Vista and Windows 7. Language Translator for Windows Sidebar localizes the proven usefulness of Web-based translators on your desktop, with the flexibility of a gadget. Like most Windows gadgets, it's free.

Windows gadgets tend to be small by design, and at 260KB, Language Translator is no exception. Like other gadgets, it's as easy to manage as your screensaver or desktop background: right-click anywhere in the desktop and select Gadgets from the menu. The tool itself is a compact, … Read more

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

HP WebOS event

New Nokia CEO's blunt memo

iPad 2 already in production?

Verizon to improve voice quality over 4G

NYU professor camera experiment not going so well

Google Translate for iPhone

If you're struggling with languages at home or abroad, the new Google Translate app for iPhone is a faster way to untangle your tongue than the iPhone-optimized Web app that was previously your ticket out of confusion.

The app has a handful of main features. First, you can speak into the app (in 15 languages) to translate words and phrases into one of 50 languages.

Second, you can listen to translations read aloud in 23 languages. (Sadly, Catalan isn't one of them, so the playback feature isn't pictured in the image to the right.)

Third, you can … Read more

We remember a time--not so long ago--when translating a text between two languages required a dictionary and a lot of patience. But now we have things like Tirgumit Right Click Free Dictionary. This handy utility makes translating between languages a breeze, whether you just need to know one word or want to translate an entire block of text.

The program's interface is attractive and intuitive, and there are several ways to access its features. If you're reading something in a foreign language and need to quickly translate a single word you don't know, simply hold down the … Read more

Links from Friday's episode of Loaded:

Google purchases a company called eBook Technologies

However, Google's planned acquisition of ITA Software is under scrutiny from federal antitrust officials

AT&T will allow tethering on two upcoming 4G phones and may allow it on the iPhone as well

Fujitsu is set to launch the first glasses-free 3D desktop PC

News Corp.'s iPad magazine, The Daily, has been delayed

Google Translate for Android can help you have a bilingual conversation in real time

A new spyware program is parading as a Kama Sutra how-to guide

A man is suing … Read more

Samsung may be holding a digital hostage; Android gains ground on Apple, but may soon lose it to the Verizon iPhone; and the announcement of the next iteration of Android raises questions about version numbers. Join Antuan Goodwin and Justin Eckhouse for all that and more in the world of Android.

Android outshines Apple iOS on mobile ad network http://reviews.cnet.com/8300-19736_7-251.html

Android Market saw greatest surge in 2010 http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20028122-94.html

Analysts: … Read more

Android users who have found themselves fighting the language barrier have probably heard of Google Translate, a free translation app for Android. Although it's not the most feature-packed translator for Android, it offers a simple way to translate basic words and phrases among dozens of languages. It also includes spoken translations and romanization of non-Roman scripts. Although sentences may come out kind of wonky depending on the structure, it definitely works in a pinch.

Today, Google announced an update for its Translate app, with a focus on tweaks that aim to make the interface easier to navigate and the … Read more

Google Translate isn't the most feature-packed translator for Android, but it has the marked benefit of being free. This app can translate basic words and phrases between dozens of languages, though sentences may come out kind of wonky depending on the structure. Still, it definitely works in a pinch. Our one major complaint is that this app requires a network connection to work, so if your international roaming charges are hefty, it may not be much use to you at your moment of need.

Remember the Babel Fish? As fans of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" will recall, it lived in your ear and immediately translated whatever language a person was speaking into whatever language you could understand.

Word Lens for iPhone works just like a Babel Fish, except it doesn't live in your ear, and it translates only printed text, not spoken words. But it's no less amazing.

Working a kind of magic I can't fully understand, Word Lens instantly translates whatever text your iPhone camera sees. Point it at a sign that's written in Spanish and you'll immediately see its English translation. Or go the other way: Point it at a menu that's written in English and you'll instantly see Spanish.

Ay caramba! Seriously, you have to see the app in action to fully appreciate it. So with that in mind, watch this:

… Read more