Google buys smartphone camera language translation app

Google has bought an app called Word Lens from Quest Visual, which uses a smartphone camera to translate words into different languages.

Not only have they bought the app, they have made it free for a limited time according to Tech Republic.

The app allows users to do things like take a picture of a sign and translate it into their own language - which is pretty handy for people who travel a lot.

Not only that but the app doesn't need a connection to the Internet in order to work, which makes it ideal for business travellers.

Currently, users can translate between English and Portuguese, German, Italian, French, Russian, and Spanish, but now that Google has its hands on it the selection of languages it can work with is set to expand.

Google translate

Quest Visual and the technology built into its Word Lens application will become part of a Google team devoted to developing translation features and services.

"With Word Lens, we've seen the beginnings of what's possible when we harness the power of mobile devices to see the world in your language," Quest said in a blog post.

"By joining Google, we can incorporate Quest Visual's technology into Google Translate's broad language coverage and translation capabilities in the future."

Versions of the application have been tailored for smartphones powered by Apple or Android software as well as for Google Glass eyewear that links to the Internet.

Google Glass

The news came as Google this week began letting anyone in the United States buy Glass, priced at $1,500 a pair.

Google has promised lower-priced, fashionably versions of Glass in the not too distant future and has been prepping the market for their arrival.

Fashion industry veteran and jewelry artist Ivy Ross will take charge of Google's Glass efforts beginning Monday, according to the California-based technology titan.

"I look forward to answering the seemingly simple, but truly audacious questions Glass poses," Ross said in a post at Google+ social network.

"Can technology be something that frees us up and keeps us in the moment, rather than taking us out of it?"

Her resume includes stints at Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach, Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, Gap and, most recently, Art.com.

The decision to open the "Glass" test, or beta, program on Wednesday to anyone with enough money and curiosity came about a month after a one-day sale of the eyewear to the public.