Microsoft Teams Introduces Bidirectional Translation Feature for Multiple Languages

In a significant move towards enhanced accessibility, Microsoft has upgraded its Teams platform by introducing bidirectional support for Teams Live Interpretation.

This feature empowers interpreters to facilitate translation in both directions for two languages, allowing for seamless communication. For example, interpreters can translate from English to Spanish and vice versa. Moreover, they have the flexibility to switch the direction of translation at any moment, choosing the language they wish to translate into.

At the bottom of the Teams interface, there will be buttons representing each of the two languages involved in the interpretation. Interpreters can simply click the button corresponding to the language they intend to translate into.

The language button that is highlighted will indicate the language being translated. Attendees will receive the translation in this highlighted language, ensuring clarity in communication.

According to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, this feature is slated for release in August 2024.

As detailed in a blog post by the company, users must be part of the Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Targeted release and utilize the new Teams client on Windows or macOS.

Microsoft has consistently emphasized the importance of user feedback in developing its accessibility features. The introduction of bidirectional support in Microsoft Teams reflects the company’s commitment to enhance user experience and accessibility.

With bidirectional support in Teams Live Interpretation, interpreters can now switch the direction they want to provide translation in between the two languages by clicking on the button of the language they want to interpret into at the bottom of the screen. The highlighted language button will be the language the interpreter is translating into and attendees hear from.

Microsoft

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