DeepL introduces live translations
DeepL has focused on translating written texts so far. Now, a solution for spoken language is also intended to help the startup hold its own against the competition.
The Cologne-based AI start-up DeepL has presented a system for translating spoken language in real time. "DeepL Voice" will be available in two versions, announced the company's CEO and founder, Jaroslaw Kutylowski, at the company event "DeepL Dialogues" in Berlin.
On the one hand, the system will be able to ensure that translation can take place live in video conferences. This would allow virtual meetings in applications such as Zoom to be held in several languages. Secondly, there will be an app for mobile devices that can be used to translate face-to-face conversations in real time.
Live translations work differently
DeepL is already a leader in the translation of written content, said Kutylowski. However, the live translation of spoken content is a completely different matter. "Sentences are sometimes not completed, pronunciation is often unclear and the latency (delay) must not be too high." These limitations could lead to mistranslations and a poor user experience.
"These are the same challenges that can lead to misunderstandings in face-to-face interactions," said Kutylowski. The "DeepL Voice" solution is specifically designed for spoken language and helps companies to ensure smooth communication in multiple languages and thus overcome language barriers, explained Kutylowski.
Great competition
DeepL has to hold its own against strong competition. Google, for example, has a large AI solution in its range, Gemini, which also supports real-time translations. Microsoft also offers live translations for its Teams video conferencing application. However, the Cologne-based company has also managed to keep up with Google Translate and other offerings from major US providers in the past.
Following a financing round in May, DeepL is valued at two billion US dollars (1.85 billion euros). Germany's most valuable AI start-up recently expanded its product portfolio to include a writing assistant with artificial intelligence (DeepL Write Pro). In July, DeepL launched a new generation of its language model in order to measurably increase the quality of its machine translations. The company referred to blind tests with language experts, which showed that DeepL translations based on the new "Large Language Model" (LLM) were rated better than the results of systems from large internet companies in the USA. (SDA/swi)
