Several companies make software language tools designed for the computer. An example is the Babylon program, which translates directly from any desktop application or web page. It also provides an audio pronunciation and suggests definitions for possibly confusing terms such as homonyms found in the translation. Microsoft Word has a built-in language translator tool based on several different kinds of algorithms. The MS Word Mini-Translator tool allows translation of a word, a selection or an entire document. If a language other than English as the user's display language is involved, a separate language translator pack must be purchased in that language.
Well-known Internet-based tools such as Yahoo's Babel Fish and Google Translate have become more reliable over the years. Both services are free, but use different technologies. Babel Fish is powered by Systran, which uses a machine translation technology. It has translation capabilities for about a dozen languages. Google Translate, on the other hand, uses statistical-based translation. It translates to and from more than 50 languages and allows users to add their own versions of the translated material in an effort to increase the translation algorithm's effectiveness.
Hand-held translators are palm-sized devices that translate words or phrases, either in writing or out loud. Most of these devices are designed for the traveler and include common communication phrases. The handhelds are programmed with as many as 16 languages, with pricing commensurate with the number of languages. Franklin, a company that specializes in this kind of device, uses proprietary software. Additionally, Franklin offers eight modular dictionaries that can be installed in its hand-held device as the need arises.
Most smart phones have language converter apps specific to the particular brand of smart phone. Jibbigo, an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch specific app, uses speech recognition and statistical machine translation technology. It does not require a network connection to function and as such is ideal for travel. As of October 2010, it is available in just four pairings with English: Iraqi, Chinese, Spanish and Japanese. Jibbigo was chosen as one of "Travel+Leisure" magazines's top travel apps of 2010.
