
Microsoft Introduces Live Interpreter API for Seamless Multilingual Communication
In a significant advancement for real-time communication, Microsoft has launched the Live Interpreter API, a notable feature integrated within Azure Speech Translation. This innovative tool is engineered to facilitate effortless multilingual interactions, eliminating the need for users to pre-select an input language. The API boasts remarkable functionalities such as:
- Automated and continuous language identification (LID)
- Support for an extensive range of 76 input languages and 143 locales
- Latency improvements that rival the performance of human interpreters
- Personal voice capabilities that preserve style, tone, intonation, and pacing
Currently, the Live Interpreter API is in public preview, showcasing its potential across a variety of platforms.
Diverse Applications Across Industries
This API opens doors to numerous applications, such as:
- Multilingual contact centers
- Online meetings and events
- Multilingual classrooms
- Social commerce live streaming
The API eliminates cumbersome language-switching menus, enabling users to transition seamlessly between languages during conversations.
Personalized Voice Experience
A standout feature of the Live Interpreter API is its personal voice functionality, which allows users to maintain the essence of the original speaker’s voice. This includes keeping their unique style and tone intact along with appropriate intonation and pacing, all while adhering to enterprise-grade consent controls.
Collaboration with Anker Innovations
The Live Interpreter API is underpinned by Azure Speech Translation, ensuring continuous language identification, comprehensive language coverage, and low-latency speech-to-speech translation. A practical illustration of its application is the partnership with Anker Innovations. In their words:
“We’re excited to partner with Microsoft and to demonstrate what’s possible when AI meets everyday tech. Built on the Azure Speech Translation Live Interpreter capability, we’re able to deliver smarter, more intuitive, and truly immersive audiovisual experiences for users around the world.”
Guidance for Developers
For developers eager to get started with the Live Interpreter API, Microsoft offers a comprehensive QuickStart Guide. While end users may not directly interact with the API, they will benefit from applications and websites that integrate these advanced features for a more inclusive communication experience.
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