How to use and configure real-time translations in Skype? Step by step guide

When it comes to tools that facilitate communications through audio or video calls, Skype is one of the leading options. One of the aspects that make it stand out above many other similar ones is that includes different functions that improve and facilitate the experience of its users.

Such is the case of Skype Translator. In a simple way, it is an enabled function with which you can establish a conversation with a person who has a different language than yours.

Skype is responsible for translating to each one what the other says, so speaking in your native language with another from a different language will not be a problem. So if you want to learn How to use and configure real-time translations in Skype?, keep reading this step-by-step guide.

Skype Translator What is it and what are the features and limitations of Microsoft’s real-time translator?

Skype Translator is a functionality available in this application, which performs simultaneous translations while having a conversation with another user who has a different language than yours. In this way, you can communicate with a person who speaks another language. In addition, you can do it while speaking in your native language, since the translations are executed simultaneously. Consequently, the platform translates to each one what the other says.

It is very easy to activate, but you should keep in mind that when you go to activate it, each one has to select the language in which they will speak or write. In this way, Skype will recognize everything you have said and will translate them to the other instantly. For example, if the other is speaking to you in English, the app shows you the text in English and below, translated into Spanish. It should be noted, that said translation is also presented in spoken form in case of being in a videoconference.

Also, when you speak to the other, everything will be sent translated into their native language. The most important thing in these cases is to keep in mind that the languages to be used must be within the list of those supported by Skype. In total there are 11, and the most common are included such as English, Italian, German, Russian, etc.

As a recommendation, Microsoft indicates that the ideal is to use headphones to make the understanding process more effective. Also, remember to speak clearly and pause briefly while the translations are displayed. It should be noted that this functionality is currently available for desktop chats only.

To know a little more in depth about the subject, we will talk about some characteristics and limitations:

Characteristics and limitations

Although it is true that Skype Translator starts from a fairly futuristic idea, it is still in its early stages of development. Therefore, in general, it can be said that it works quite well since integrates speech recognition, machine translation, speech synthesis, cloud processing, and machine learning.

This results in, a very interesting service with which people can communicate without limiting the language they use. However, because remains in its early stages, it is common to find a series of unflattering factors.

For example, one of the most obvious is that you have to speak at a steady pace. For it to work well, you must maintain a similar rhythm in all sentences, that is, not speeding up the dictation and avoiding the use of too long sentences. This makes the conversation process much slower than normal.. Despite that, it is a very interesting option that can get you out of trouble and is worth trying. By last, Skype advises that the conversation is being recorded with the aim of improving recognition.

Learn step by step how to configure and use the Skype Translator real-time translator from any device

Within Chats, right-press or hold the contact.
Select in View profile.
You can too click or tap on the chat header, from the chat itself, to go to the contact’s profile.
Click on Send translation request, so that the Translated conversations.
The other contact you will talk to will receive a notification about the enablement of that feature. Select in To accept to continue. Keep in mind that if the other person does not have the latest version of Skype, you will not receive the information.
After your invitation has been accepted, all calls and instant messages that are exchanged will be translated into the language of your choice. Also, by default, the language spoken in Skype it will become the device language. However, you can select another one at any time from Settings.
In translated conversations, the platform displays the messages as it translates them. But you also have the possibility to Show original message.
The conversation will remain available in recent chats.

In case you want to make a translated audio or video call, you have to click on the audio or video button of the conversation. Your voice will be translated and this will also be shown as a subtitle in the call window.

How to customize the settings of a translated conversation in Skype?

Click on your profile picture.
Login to Setting.
Go into general and later in Translation settings.
Choose the type of information to personalize: the spoken language (select the language in which you want your messages, calls and subtitles to be translated) or the voice translation (when a voice is translated into another language. You can choose the voice style you prefer, that is, male or woman).
You can back to Settings to modify that option whenever you want.

How many languages does Skype’s real-time translator speak and how do translations work?

At the moment, Skype Translator supports up to 11 languages. This means that the interlocutors must have any of these alternatives so that the program can offer the option of translated conversations.

Specifically, the supported languages are: