Microsoft adds speech input capabilities to Bing Translator on Windows

 

Microsoft introduced new updates to Bing Translator for Windows and Windows Phone apps. The tech company brings speech-to-speech functionality from Windows Phone app to the Windows app to let you speak into your device with the microphone and have the app answer you back in the native speaker’s accent. You can also now use your device’s camera in portrait and landscape to take a shot of text and have the app translate the words in the language you select.

Meanwhile, the Bing Translator for Windows Phone received improvement when it comes to speech features in order to improve the quality and “responsiveness” of the translations. The UI for the offline language packs has also been revamped.

Google to enter smart home appliance market with Nest Labs acquisition

From left: Nest Labs co-founder Matt Rogers, Google CEO Larry Page, and Nest Labs co-founder Tony Fadell

Google aims to increase its presence in your home with the planned acquisition of Nest Labs for US$3.2 billion. Nest Labs develops smart thermostats and smoke detectors, signifying a move to enter the app-controlled household gadgets market internationally.

Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement, “They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now—thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe. We are excited to bring great experiences to more homes in more countries and fulfill their dreams!”

Nest CEO Tony Fadell said in a blog post the company will retain leadership and brand identity and will still support Apple users.

Source: The Guardian

Travel apps to get you there with ease

Written by Sonya Davidson 

I know, the winter has been brutal and it’s only January. Luckily I’ve got a few dangling carrots to keep me from spiraling into the deep bowels of back-to-back episodes of Modern Family. I think I’ve seen every episode …four times.

If you're like me and in travel planning mode, it's a good time to download some useful apps that may make your journey a little more efficient and pleasant!

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Shoot horizontal videos for any device orientation with Horizon 1.0 on iOS

Horizon 1.0 by Evil Window Dog,  lets users record horizontal videos regardless of the device's orientation. Users can hold their devices upright, sideways or even keep rotating them while capturing and the resulting video will always stay horizontal.

While many apps like Instagram offer straightening in photos, Horizon is the first app to do this on video and in real-time as demonstrated in the launch trailer. As the user records, Horizon auto-levels videos utilizing the device's gyroscope. The orientation of the resulting video stays corrected so that it is always parallel to the ground. Users can also choose between eight real-time filters to apply while recording and share the final result to their favorite social network right within the app.

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