We live in a world where both geographical and cultural boundaries are getting more and more blurred. No wonder that people seek solutions that will help them communicate seamlessly.
Many turn to the popular mobile translator apps, which are free. However, there are also stand-alone translation devices that cost more but also offer better functionalities. Some of them even utilize the power of AI.
In this TechBullion interview, we speak with Maciej Góralski, founder of Vasco. We discuss how his AI translator devices help people from around the world connect and communicate.
Many customers argue that buying stand-alone translation devices is pointless when there are free translator apps. Are there any strong advantages of electronic translators that put them above Google Translate and others?
I always like to say that it’s better to have your own calculator device than using the one on your phone. The latter has reduced functionality and drains the battery of your smartphone. The same goes for translators. Universal translator devices offer more and produce output of higher quality.
In addition to that, Vasco Translator provides free lifetime connectivity for translations. This functionality ensures you stay connected to the Internet for free in nearly 200 countries.
Also, our translator devices have 11 translation engines. Compare it to Google Translate and other apps which only have 1.
Why does it matter? Because our devices automatically choose an engine that gives the best result for a given language pair. It makes the quality of translations significantly higher.
Not to mention that free apps translate any text to English first, before translating it to a target language. Such a process reduces the quality of output significantly.
Please tell us in what situations are your universal translator devices especially useful.
Our AI translator can help in many scenarios. Many people use them to communicate with locals in a foreign country or when speaking with their families from abroad.
Others choose to talk to colleagues and business partners in a multicultural work environment. Some people may also need them when attending classes with foreign students or teachers at a university.
When it comes to the latter, we once lent our translator devices to the University of Quinnipiac. It helped a lot when it came to the communication between the academic teachers and foreign students.
Vasco Translator boasts multiple great features. Which functionality do you think is the most useful one? How can it make the lives of your clients easier?
I’m especially fond of the photo translator functionality. I think that it’s the fastest way to understand your surroundings abroad.
For instance, you’re in a foreign restaurant and the menu is written in a language or even an alphabet that you don’t understand.
All you have to do is to take a picture with a Vasco Translator’s built-in camera, and the device will automatically show a translation of the captured text. In this functionality, you can choose from 108 languages.
Our photo translator can also be helpful while traveling in general. You can use it when reading foreign information boards, newspapers, documents when renting a car, or even books.
Please explain how it is possible that Vasco universal translator offers free connectivity without the need to renew the package.
Vasco AI translator comes with a built-in SIM card that is included within the price of the device. Thanks to this, it can connect to the GSM network in nearly 200 countries, anywhere where there is coverage. The card is ready to use out-of-the-box so that users don’t have to worry about any additional installations.
Free connectivity for translations gives our users peace of mind because they don’t need to think about the costs of roaming and the hassle of looking for Wi-Fi. It is especially useful during emergencies.
What was the first translator device you created? How does it compare to your newest device?
Our first Vasco Translator was released in 2013. It translated 27 languages, which was quite a number at that time. However, Vasco Translator V4, our newest device, offers up to 108 languages! The first Vasco Translator also had just 1 translation engine: compare it to Vasco Translator V4 which has 11 translation engines. Our first device also didn’t offer free lifetime connectivity for translations — this feature appeared later with the Vasco Translator Mini 2 in 2018.