Word Lens for iOS offers on-the-fly language translation via camera
Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 10:43AM
Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla in First Looks, Mobile, Video, Word Lens, iOS apps, iPod touch, iphone, uPhone

Here's an app that seems to be really magical. Word Lens uses your iPhone or iPod Touch camera to grab words and phrases and generates a translation in similar visual context. The app is free but each language pack (i.e. English to Spanish) costs $4.99. Hit jump for more info and a demo video.

Instantly translate printed words from one language to another with your built-in video camera, in real time! Use Word Lens on vacation, business travel, and just for fun.

Language pairs currently available with in-app purchase: 
- Spanish to English (Launch Sale: 50% Off - expires Dec 31)
- English to Spanish (Launch Sale: 50% Off - expires Dec 31)

Try out the included modes first so you can see the technology in action:
- Reverse Words (spell all words backwards)
- Erase Words (advanced digital white-out technology)


Word Lens gives you translation on the go:
- NO NETWORK required - results appear immediately on your video screen when you need it, anywhere in the world.
- Easy to use, like the regular camera
- Look up translations by typing them in, too


Get the best quality out of your translations:
- best used on clearly printed text (e.g. signs, menus)
- does NOT recognize handwriting or stylized fonts
- it's not perfect, but you can get the general meaning!
- keep text in focus by holding it at least one hand-length away

Device requirements:
- iPhone 4, iPhone 3gs, or iPod Touch with video camera 
- iOS 4.0 or later
*** iPhone 3gs and iPod Touch do not have zoom or flash light features
*** iPod Touch camera does not have auto-focus feature

 

Article originally appeared on Reviews, News and Opinion with a Canadian Perspective (https://www.canadianreviewer.com/).
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