Software : Skype Translator gets even more features |
- Skype Translator gets even more features
- Windows mail services hit by widespread outages
- Google's GMeet could kill teleconferencing
| Skype Translator gets even more features Posted:  Microsoft has delivered a number of useful updates to its Skype Translator preview for Windows to make it even easier to speak to colleagues across the globe. The update, which is available through the Windows Store, contains four changes that include text-to-speech translation, continuous recognition, automatic volume control and a mute button for translated voice. Heading up the new features is the text-to-speech translation tool that takes any instant message sent to you and relays it back in your home language, just so long as the language is supported by Skype. The addition of automatic volume control means Skype prioritizes the translated speech over your partner's voice so that while the translation is still happening the respondent can continue to speak. There is also the chance to turn off translated speech at any time by hitting the mute option. For those that use Skype for instant messaging the continuous recognition feature translates text as it is being typed and makes global interaction much easier. Over 40 languagesSkype Translator began its technical preview back in December and currently allows voice translation between English and Spanish as well as instant message translation in over 40 different languages. The translation service will also play an integral role in the recently unveiled Skype for Business that has replaced Microsoft Lync and provides businesses with a collaboration tool that works across all devices including even smartwatches. |
| Windows mail services hit by widespread outages Posted:  Microsoft has confirmed a widespread outage has hit its mail services across a range of different Windows platforms. In a bulletin issued early this morning, Microsoft confirmed that Windows 8 and 8.1 Metro Mail, Windows Live Mail and mail on Windows Phone 8.1 have all been experiencing problems and the issues are continuing to hit users even now. "We are aware that users of the following mail clients are experiencing issues syncing and sending email. We are working on the issue and expect resolution in the next 24 hours. - Windows Live Mail - Outlook Connector - MSN Premium client. - Windows Phone 8.1 - Windows 8 Mail Client," read the update released at 12:34 PST. Android and iOS unaffectedThe problem restricts syncing and sending of emails through the programs mentioned and even after working through the night there are still issues with the different Microsoft services that offer mail. There is also no indication as to why the problem is happening. Microsoft's recently updated Outlook apps for iOS and Android aren't affected by the problems and an update on the issue is expected imminently.
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| Google's GMeet could kill teleconferencing Posted:  After launching video calls with Google Hangouts, Google may be looking at transforming regular teleconference calls with a new app and service called GMeet. Screenshots of the unannounced app were uncovered by Google+ user Florien Kiersch, revealing that teleconference calls could be easily joined with a single click, rather than requiring users to dial in a string of numbers to enter a room. Florien claims that the service is only open to Google employees, but it's unclear if GMeet is intended solely for Google employee use, or if it's undergoing internal testing ahead of an official reveal. Google has not publicly announced its plans for such a service at this time, and this is the first that we've heard of GMeet. The screenshots reveal that the smartphone-based app uses Google's latest Material Design language that debuted with Android 5.0 Lollipop. No numbers needed to call inFrom what we can tell based off of the leaked shots, Google Meet would work in a similar way as Google Hangouts, allowing for voice and/or video calls to be conducted over the service. Conference calls will likely be routed over the internet, similar to VoIP calls made on Google Hangouts or Google Voice today. The service could be useful for enterprise customers, particularly those who use Google Apps for Work, as one of the screens show a meeting agenda with quick, clickable links to join various upcoming teleconference sessions. There is also a search tool to find existing meetings to join, likely reserved for users within the same organization, or under the same Google Apps domain. The ability to quickly join conference call rooms will be a useful time-saver for business customers. By clicking on a link, users will no longer need to remember a dial-in number to reach a teleconference service, nor would they need to key in the room code to join a teleconference session. Additionally, sending a link to customers, guests, or participants of a teleconference call is much easier than requiring them to dial into a conference service. Phandroid reports that searches for GMeet and Google Meeting returned code snippets dating as far back as 2011, but that "most of the code references things we already have access to in the latest rendition of Hangouts, such as whiteboards, screen sharing, and integration with Google Calendar." Likely, if GMeet debuted, it would provide users with an app and UI that works on top of the existing Google Hangouts infrastructure. In addition to an Android app, Kiersch noted in his post that there appears to be a Chrome extension, so users of Chrome OS and the Chrome browser can also easily access GMeet.
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