Client For Google Translate - Desktop Translation Agent
The Growing Need for Translation Tools
As global interconnectedness increases, facilitated by platforms like blogs and social media, language barriers frequently emerge as a significant obstacle.
I personally experienced this when a reader from France expressed gratitude for an article on a UFO-related website I manage.
While his English was adequate, he shared a link to a French forum, the content of which I could only partially access using Google Translate.
Google Translate: A Valuable Resource
Google Translate is a tool highly valued by the team at MakeUseOf.
Simon previously highlighted four key advantages that distinguish it from competing translation services.
Furthermore, Ann recently showcased several applications that leverage the power of the Google Translate utility.
Introducing the Google Translate Client
Many users prefer having a desktop application that mirrors the functionality of online tools.
This allows for local installation on a PC or laptop, providing convenient access to the same translation capabilities.
Considering this preference, I'd like to present the Google Translate Client.
The Google Translate Desktop Application
A locally installed application functioning as a “client” connects to the Google Translate service to facilitate translations. This client provides continuous access to a translation window, readily available in either the foreground or background, for convenient text translation.
Regardless of whether the applications you are using have integrated translation capabilities, foreign language text can be quickly copied from them – such as from your preferred email program – and pasted into this dedicated translation window.
The application can be configured to automatically identify the source language, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Furthermore, a default target language can be established. In this instance, the settings are configured for automatic source language detection and translation to English.
For those with a strong interest in languages and their acquisition, exploring the "Learner" button is highly recommended, as it activates the Learner tool. This tool presents basic phrases in the user’s native language alongside the translated text selected in the "translate to:" field, particularly useful when the source language is English (or the designated default language).
The application’s ability to adapt to text already in your native language unlocks a dual functionality. While primarily designed for translating from other languages into your native tongue, it also serves as a valuable language learning resource. Pasting native language text into the tool reveals its translation into another language, proving beneficial for language students practicing reading content in a foreign language.
The app offers extensive customization options, as demonstrated in the settings panel. Users can modify font sizes, color schemes, startup behavior, and hot keys.
Leveraging the Client Within Firefox or Internet Explorer
The true advantage of this application lies in its seamless integration with your existing software. Rather than the conventional method of copying text, navigating to the Google Translate website in a separate tab, and then pasting for translation, a more efficient process is available.
With the client installed, simply select the text written in a foreign language, and a "G" icon will promptly appear.
Selecting the "G" icon will display a pop-up window containing an immediate translation of the selected text into your preferred language.
This eliminates the need for repetitive copy-pasting and avoids opening new browser windows or tabs – the translation occurs directly on the current page. Furthermore, highlighting a word or phrase in your native language will reveal three distinct icons.
The "G" icon initiates translation into your designated foreign language. While the "W" icon links to a Wikipedia search – a feature not included in the free version – the client also offers an instant Google search for the highlighted word or phrase via the "S" icon.
Should you encounter text or a document that Google Translate struggles to interpret accurately, or fails to translate altogether, the client facilitates access to professional human translation services. Hovering your mouse over the image of the woman within the client app reveals the current rate for translated text; simply click to request a paid translation.
Google Translate is experiencing increasing popularity, and it’s likely that most users will eventually utilize its online capabilities. If you are a frequent user, consider testing this desktop client to determine if it streamlines your workflow.
Are you aware of any other useful Google Translate desktop applications? Do you employ any alternative, non-Google translation tools on your computer? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.
Image credit: Yaroslav B
