"Star Trek's" universal translator may be one step closer to reality thanks to Skype.
The video call and instant messaging service is now offering a real-time translator for both voice calls and instant messaging.
It's called Skype Translator, and is in a Preview mode for devices using Windows 7 and above.
Originally released in 2014, Skype could only translate between Skype-to-Skype calls, The Verge reported.
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But now the program will work with regular calls.
You'll need the Windows Insider Program, the current beta version of Skype and Skype credits, according to The Verge.
Using the dialer, you call as usual but you click the switch that is labeled translate and select the language.
The other person will be alerted that the call is being recorded and translated. The call will then continue with slight delays as the program changes it into the selected language.
Skype Translator will work with English and eight other languages for voice calls, 50 for instant messaging. And officials say while the program may have slight errors, it will learn and get better the more it is used.
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