Even though I write about travel apps once weekly, there are still a handful I look at with shock and awe. The next few are in this category.
Ever been traveling, seen a sign and wondered what the heck it means, and if it's important or not? You can stop wondering, because now there's an app for that. Take a picture of the sign or text in question and one of the below picture translating apps will do the heavy language lifting for you.
I'm looking forward to using these apps this weekend when I head to Mexico's Riviera Maya. Even though I speak un poquito Espanol, easily translating menu items could mean the difference between ordering pollo (chicken) and pulpo (octopus), and I'd rather see pulpo in the ocean versus on my plate.
Picture Translating Travel Apps
- PicTranslator
- $4.99 {comes with one language, additional from $0.99}
- works with iPhone, iTouch, iPad
- most supported languages are Euro-based, some include audio support for pronunciation
- most highly regarded of photo translate apps
- PhotoTranslate
- $1.99
- works with iPhone, iTouch, iPad
- uses Google Translate, so a web connection is required
- supports 50+ languages with manual input option
- Babelshot
- $4.99
- works with iPhone, iTouch, iPad
- wifi required for translation
- many Euro languages included with additional languages supported via manual input
*Blackberry users, here's a free picture translating app you might want to try out! *There is a free app called PicTranslate, but it doesn't work.
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Other Travel Apps Don't forget to peruse the other 50+ travel apps we've reviewed from travel first aid, to camping, to border waits, to trip itinerary management. Here are the most recent: