Purchase the Pocketalk Plus on Amazon
I have spent the past month testing the Pocketalk Plus, the latest device from Pocketalk.
The major difference with the Plus version from the normal version is that it comes with a 40% larger screen, 1.5x better battery life and has 82 language translations.
It also comes with a complimentary 2-year cellular data plan which provides coverage in over 130 countries.
The device also includes high quality noise-canceling microphones and two powerful speakers.
And there is also a conversion feature which computes exchanges for currency, length, width and temperature.
Before I get into discussing the Pocketalk Plus, first, let me give you my background. I am native English speaker that can speak a little Tagalog and spent my college learning Japanese and Spanish, while studying German, Mandarin and Cantonese, Korean, Italian and French through various software and books.
While that sounds good, there are moments in time in my life where I learned a language and could write, read and speak it, time of not utilizing it, I easily forget it and have to brush up a lot. To make matters worse, sometimes I mix my languages around and when I really need to speak and read it, I’ll have momentary lapses and I get disappointed because I don’t remember.
And as a worldwide traveler, nothing urks me more of needing to say something but I don’t know the correct way to say it.
I wish I had today’s technology to have helped me during those times. And I know I’m not alone, many people have those issues but now there is no need to worry, today’s technology is here. Something better than Google Translate.
It’s called Pocketplus which is a device that you can record you or someone speaking and it will provide you a translation. Hold down the button to record. Or if you have a publication or something in writing, you can use the camera for it to translate. Just select the language and what language you want it to translate to, and you are set.
The primary use of this device which I have used it is for Japanese. I have used it for translations, especially during one that was involving the Tokyo Olympics and used the device during a Japanese newscast and it provided a translation.
I’ve used it for translating magazines or even video game menu’s by holding it up to my console screen.
And for the most part, it hasn’t failed me.
But there are somethings that you need to know.
- It’s best to speak clearly and slowly.
- It’s best when their is no background sound or music, you want the mic to record the language as best as possible.
- Make sure you have the right language selected and the arrow (of what language it will translate to) is correct.
I admit there were times I spoke quickly and the translation was off, but it’s best to talk slowly.
Just to show how easy it is to use, you can see it here:
Overall, I’m impressed. The fact that it supports 84 languages is fantastic! The fact that it can translate text well, is also great. Granted, it does take time for the HD camera to focus at times.
But for the most part, I find this a lot easier than language apps on a smartphone. It has very good battery power and you don’t have to use up your smartphone’s battery or worry about being in another country and worrying because there is terrible reception (for those who have traveled to Tokyo or a major city, no what I’m talking about).
For those who are in business and travel, I also see this device as a wonderful investment. Or travel in general, especially if you want to get your point across, especially if there is an emergency.
I was in another country and my smartphone was stolen, but as I went to the police, the communication was tough. I wish I had this device at the time.
And I know others who have been to another country and some natural disaster happens and they try to ask a question in English and no one understands, another reason to have this device.
But also as well as institutions or businesses that want to communicate with others in a foreign language. This is a fantastic investment and well worth the price.
Sure, it’s about $329 but the translations are more accurate than my experience with language apps and its quite convenient.
The Pocketalk Plus is highly recommended!
Purchase the Pocketalk Plus on Amazon
