DeepL, the German-based translation platform, has introduced DeepL Voice, a new tool enabling users to hear live translations in multiple languages. The feature, designed for real-time conversations and video calls, builds upon DeepL’s longstanding reputation for delivering highly accurate and nuanced translations. As a new addition to the platform’s capabilities, DeepL Voice aims to enhance communication across language barriers, setting a new standard in the AI translation market.
DeepL Voice supports a growing list of languages for live voice translation, including English, German, Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Dutch, French, Turkish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Italian. For now, however, the service only produces real-time text translations, not audio files. The platform’s intention is to make multilingual conversations smoother in live settings, such as during meetings or customer interactions, without lag or data storage issues that might compromise privacy.
Meeting Diverse Needs in Business and Beyond
With its initial design geared towards live conversations and video conferencing, DeepL Voice allows translations to be displayed as captions or as mirrored text on devices. This approach not only allows participants to follow the conversation in real-time but also caters to professionals who rely on accurate, prompt translations. While DeepL’s voice translation is currently limited to Microsoft Teams, the company’s CEO, Jarek Kutylowski, hinted at expanding its integration to other platforms in the future.
Real-Time Translation at the Speed of Conversation
Unlike many AI translation tools that suffer from delays, DeepL Voice provides immediate translations, a crucial feature for live interactions. Kutylowski noted that DeepL built its technology from scratch, aiming to create a high-speed translation model that outperforms competitors. This commitment to real-time translation reflects DeepL’s ambition to lead the future of voice translation. Kutylowski also indicated that the demand for voice translation has been high among DeepL’s users, making this an essential next step for the company since its launch in 2017.
Privacy Concerns and Data Protection
DeepL’s entry into voice translation also brings up privacy concerns, especially in light of rising data protection awareness. Kutylowski assured users that DeepL does not store voice data on its servers and that it strictly adheres to GDPR regulations. By focusing on maintaining privacy, DeepL seeks to address user concerns while enhancing the platform’s security standards.
Future of AI-Driven Translation
This recent move aligns with a broader trend in AI-based translation, where companies like Google and startups such as ElevenLabs are also exploring real-time voice translation. DeepL’s focus, however, remains squarely on creating a service that combines speed, accuracy, and user privacy, aiming to set itself apart from competitors.
In Kutylowski’s words, “Voice is where translation is going to play out in the next year,” suggesting that DeepL Voice is just the beginning of a broader effort to revolutionize how we bridge language gaps in real-time. This ambitious leap underscores DeepL’s commitment to innovation in translation, a move that could redefine the industry standards.
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