In Soviet Russia (or Iran), Multi-Language Chat App Simultaneously Translates YOU

Written by Jolie O'Dell / June 19, 2009 2:48 PM / 20 Comments

Yesterday, Google Translate announced the addition of Persian into their roster of supported languages in order to facilitate online communication within and from Iran.

Now, at least one team - the minds behind BabelWith.me - has developed the functionality into a cool, useful chat application that capably (if not perfectly) translates chats in real time. The service enables simultaneous communication in up to 45 different languages. It's kind of like the U.N. of IM.

First of all, we applaud the developers for making the most drop-dead simple chat process we've seen in ages. Pick a username and a language, and go for it. To invite others to join, simply give them the short URL in the top right corner of the screen or invite participants directly from email, Twitter, or Facebook.

The chat dialog shows both the original text as well as the Google-powered translation. Granted, the translations aren't perfect; Google doesn't know how to deal with "pig latin" or "pommes frites." But it's manageable and functional, for the most part.

We tested it out and do wish the program had a timestamp feature and some kind of notification or alert. Unnoticed chats went ignored with nary a flash, blink, or beep until we came back to the window or tab containing the chat room. We did love that the program gave both the original text (in orange italics) underneath the translated version. And of course, all the static text in the chat is translated, as well.

We were also told by the BabelWith.me team, "The launch was moved up to offer free multilanguage communication with those in Iran." Check out this chat set up specifically for discussion of the Iran election and aftermath.

BabelWith.me is a product of the non-profit organization LifeChurch.tv.

Comments

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Jolie thanks for the great article! We are really excited about this application, and have a nice roadmap of additional features coming soon.

Posted by: Terry Storch | June 19, 2009 3:44 PM

That has to be the coolest chat app available. It really is bringing the world together without language barriers.

Posted by: Jacroe | June 19, 2009 4:06 PM

An absolutely necessary app!

Thanks, now I can talk with these guys I've been meeting all week.

If they survive.

Posted by: Jon | June 19, 2009 4:16 PM

We've definitely had a good time developing this project. Like Terry said, we have some great features coming soon, which will make BabelWith.me more useful and usable in a myriad of situations.

One thing you can count on is that it will stay simple and our focus will be on fast, accurate translation. (We'll also take into account the suggestions offered here.) Thanks!

Posted by: Scott Magdalein | June 19, 2009 4:22 PM

'if not perfectly'?

i seriously doubt that... but awesome app all the same!

Posted by: glddrgn | June 19, 2009 5:06 PM

This is awesome. If only I could chat with people on other IM networks that would make it super useful.

Posted by: Ravikant | June 19, 2009 5:15 PM

This is a game changer. Excellent app. Love it.

Posted by: Scott Rodgers | June 19, 2009 5:47 PM

Hi Jolie, I love you baby.

Posted by: Jolie's fan | June 19, 2009 6:53 PM

Thanks for the post Jolie. Even though there is still a lot to add and improve - I think the team did a great job!

Posted by: Bobby Gruenewald | June 19, 2009 6:54 PM

Good job to the team!

On a note.. Soviet Russia technically doesn't exist anymore :D

Posted by: Mark Burleson | June 19, 2009 8:22 PM

Very cool app, it's very much like Meglobe.com but without the IM features and inter-connectivity with 3rd party IM clients.

I love babel's simple to use, streamlined UI and variety of languages.

Posted by: Konata | June 19, 2009 8:23 PM

Nice showcase for Google's translation engine. Makes you wonder why not go straight to google translate though.

Posted by: Marly | June 19, 2009 9:13 PM

There's no soviet Russia, believe me. It is gone 16 years ago, calm down now. I live here.

Posted by: rimmer333 | June 20, 2009 5:54 AM

A good application; but I am not sure how it is different from what we already have in Google Talk.

When in Gmail; start a group chat and invite the google translation bots as members. And they translate what you try on the fly.

I often use it when talking to people in french. A group chat with your google talk buddy with en2fr and fr2en bots and they translate my english into french and thier french into english.

Posted by: Ali | June 20, 2009 6:21 AM

The "Soviet Russia" thing is a MEME, people! A *meme*.

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Russian_reversal_(joke)

Posted by: Jolie O'Dell | June 20, 2009 12:13 PM

Thanks for the great article. We are really excited about this application, and have a nice roadmap of additional features coming soon :)

Posted by: darmo | June 20, 2009 4:57 PM