Google Acquires Real-Time Translation App World Lens
Skift Take
Translation technology has improved significantly in the past few years and recent developments suggest that the functionality will soon be closely integrated into travelers' most used devices.
In an effort to beef up its translation product, Google today acquired the app World Lens, which translates text in real-time via users' smartphones.
The app-maker Quest Visual's development team will also join Google, according to a statement released on the company's website.
The app is currently available on Android as well as iOS and Google Glass. And although Google was the first to scoop up the technology, Apple prominently promotes the app in its latest iPhone 5S commercial.
Quest Visual is making the app available for free on both operating systems while it transitions to Google.
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