Tag: windows 8

Skype and Microsoft Research collaboration has resulted in major technological advancement in telecommunication.

Microsoft has recently made technology news by revealing a new translation service for the freemium VoIP (voice over IP) and messaging app Skype, which has the ability to identify spoken words and translate these words into a different language and, in almost real-time, speak back the translation.

After 15 years of research Microsoft intends to launch the new service by the end of the year.

Presently, Skype has an estimated 300 million monthly users who utilize its service via smartphones, tablets, computers and television. At the end of 2014, Skype Translator will be available for Windows 8. However, Microsoft also has the intention to make it available to other operating platforms in the future.

Skype’s corporate vice president, Gurdeep Singh Pall, said “Skype has always been about breaking down barriers. And the language barrier is huge. It has been a blocker to productivity and human connection.” He went on to say that “Skype Translator helps us overcome this barrier. It’s going to make sure you can communicate with anyone without language barriers.”

The technology was demonstrated by Pall in California at the Code conference. He held a three minute conversation with one of his German colleagues via a Skype video call. Pall spoke in English and his words were translated into German while his colleague spoke in German and Pall and the audience heard the German to English translation in almost real-time.

There were a few mistakes during the conversation, but these were extremely minor compared to those that occurred when the service was first demonstrated two years ago, translating English to Chinese. This shows the technological improvements that have been made in such a short time.

Microsoft’s technology news could preserve Skype’s competitive edge.

Skype was acquired by Microsoft back in 2011 for $85 billion. Globally, Skype continues to be the most used video and voice chat. However, it has a lot of competition from other popular messaging services like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Hangouts. The translation feature could be what allows Skype to keep a leg up over its competitors.

It is likely that there will be more Skype-related technology news in the future as more advancement are made and because Microsoft has yet to announce if the new translator service will be free or not.

Windows Phone gets mobile payments thanks to Fortumo

Mobile payments have been growing very popular with consumers around the world. For those without Android or iOS devices, however, mobile payments are little more than a fancy idea. That is about to change thanks to Fortumo, an international mobile payments provider. This week, the company announced the launch of a new mobile payments application for Windows Phone. This makes Fortumo the first third-party provider of mobile commerce services on Microsoft platforms.

New platform makes mobile payments possible on Windows 8 and Windows Phone devices

The new application features cross-platform capabilities, making it available for the Windows 8 operating system, Windows RT, and Windows Phone. The application allows for mobile payments to be made through other applications, such as mobile games. Payments can also be facilitated through applications on laptops and desktops that run any version of Windows 8. Notably, the platform is designed with game developers in mind.

Mobile games may benefit from new platform

Mobile games have become a very powerful force in the game industry. Many developers have made their fortunes through a strong focus on mobile games. The reason these games have so much financial potential is because of advertising and their ability to foster in-app purchases. Most mobile games offer some form of virtual currency or the opportunity to unlock additional content for a modest price. Consumers have a proclivity for these mobile payments because they offer some form of measurable game, at least in an entertainment capacity.

Fortumo aims to bring more developers to Windows Phone

Fortumo suggests that its new application can help game developers engage mobile consumers more effectively. Mobile games that allow for mobile payments are more likely to find success in the gaming market due to factors such as convenience and access to additional content. Fortumo aims to help developers become more accepting of the Windows Phone platform, on which it has been difficult to monetize mobile games in the past.