• On The Insider: Swift & Kanye Named Best of the Year
August 1, 2008 9:15 AM PDT

MeGlobe does in-browser IM with real-time translation

by Josh Lowensohn
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 1 comment

If you've been on the hunt for a tool that lets you chat with friends or clients that speak a different language, MeGlobe is a really simple solution that does all the work for you. Like Meebo, it will turn a single open browser window in a Webtop where you can manage your buddy list and chat windows. There's no software to install, and it handles 15 languages with relative ease.

I gave it a spin using French to English, and as advertised it translates in real time. You see what the person wrote in small letters, with the translation showing up right above. It doesn't matter what language the other user is typing in--everything gets converted to your default language. Changing it with a quick drop down will go back and reverse-translate previous chat items--it's very cool.

Other solutions for real-time chat translation have come from many places including Google. However, Google's system required using chat bots that act as a middle-man. MeGlobe's solution is far simpler, putting the entire process behind what the user sees.

In the future, I'd like to see MeGlobe tap into existing IM networks instead of requiring you to plug into its own, something I'm expecting based on a rather cryptic blog entry from earlier this week.

Embedded below is a video of the tool in action.


Related:
How to translate RSS feeds
I can has lolcat translator?

Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh.
Add a Comment (Log in or register)
by awilensky August 1, 2008 10:32 AM PDT
When using translation software or services for business, be very careful to check the message before you send - there can be very embarrassing miscues. Don't make me explain.
Reply to this comment
advertisement

About Webware

Say No to boxed software! The future of applications is online delivery and access. Software is passé. Webware is the new way to get things done.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Webware topics

Five New Year's resolutions for Google

Stakes are high as Google attempts to maintain one of the Internet's greatest cash machines while pushing into new and risky markets.
• Android event set for Jan. 5

For eBay sellers, a holiday hamster hangover

The gift frenzy over Zhu Zhu Pets leaves some power sellers feeling like they've just run a marathon--but the steep price tags lead to some impressive profits.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right