Google Translate Rolls Out New Features: Introducing 'Tap to Translate', iOS Offline Mode and 'Lens' [VIDEO]

By Jude Abastar, Christian Post Contributor Friday, May 13, 2016

Google is on a roll, bringing in several updates to multiple platforms and apps, the latest of which is a bunch of new features for Google Translate on mobile, including Offline Mode for iOS users, Tap to Translate, and a Word Lens for Chinese text.

Per report from Adweek, the new feature called "Tap to Translate" gives Android users the ability to copy any text in chat messages, internet comments and others while also getting a translation without the need to switch apps. Perhaps the best thing about this new feature is that it is now integrated into all 103 languages previously supported by Google Translate. Here's a brief video explaining how it works:

Meanwhile, the iOS offline mode, according to LifeHacker, allows the translation of a text even without access to the internet or data connection. The same report says that this feature comes in very handy for those who are traveling but isn't subscribed to any international data plan.

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To use this feature, one just needs to open the Google Translate app and tap the arrow beside the language name in order to download the package for that specific language. Furthermore, this feature will work with the new Tap to Translate. When the language package is downloaded, it can then be used to translate text in that language even without internet access.

Google also revealed that the Offline feature for iOS utilizes a trimmed down offline package, which according to the tech giant is about 90 percent smaller. As a result, users can now enjoy the package without having to use a lot of space in their devices. It also is easier and quicker to download.

The last new app is called Word Lens, which is designed for instant visual translation of Chinese text. What happens is that users will only need to point their device on a printed text on signs and menus in order to translate that same text to English and vice versa. It applies to both traditional and simplified Chinese.

All the updates mentioned are reportedly going to be released both for iOS and Android users in a couple of days.