SDL has launched a consumer desktop application that translates text instantly from any document and allows chat across languages in real-time within several free chat services. A professional version is also on the way.

SDL EasyTranslator is a free downloadable desktop application that gives the ability to instantly translate any text from emails, documents, or web pages. Users can type or copy text directly into the application and choose to translate automatically into more than 60 languages.

Users can also:     
* Learn the correct pronunciation of one word or a selection of words by listening to the voice of the on-screen avatar;
* Learn the definition of translated words with the Wiktionary;
* See alternate translations of text by comparing the translation for other translation services;
* Save time with Auto-Paste. Any text you "Copy" from any application is automatically pasted AND translated.

In addition to the text translation, SDLEasyTranslator multilingual chat lets users chat across languages with anyone, anywhere. Current chat integrations include: Facebook, MSN, Yahoo!, AIM, GoogleTalk and VKontakte.

"We routinely get requests for a consumer grade application that enables users to get a quick translation of text, or that can be leveraged within chat applications," said Claude Walton, Director of Product Marketing for the SDL Language Technologies division.

"SDL EasyTranslator delivers on this growing need and puts powerful translation tools in the hands of consumers that want to communicate across languages, understand foreign language news or other information, or even to help them learn a new language."

Building on the free version currently available, SDL EasyTranslator Premium (paid version due out later this year), further breaks down language barriers by allowing users to translate documents instantly in Microsoft Word and Outlook.

The company is planning to release a similar desktop translation solution built for the enterprise this year.

A beta version is available at www.easytranslator.com.