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Microsoft wants to simplify communication across language barriers in its Teams meeting platform by introducing a unique AI feature: real-time translations that not only convey your words but also replicate your voice. Ahead of its Ignite conference, the company’s annual event for developers and IT professionals, Microsoft announced a new “Interpreter” agent tool for Teams that provides real-time speech-to-speech interpretation during meetings.
The feature is designed to let participants communicate with others in their preferred languages, and the capability to simulate a user’s speaking voice is meant to create more-personal and engaging interactions.
Users activate the feature manually during a meeting and choose their preferred listening language. When the speaker talks, a similar-sounding voice is heard speaking the selected language.
The feature will be available for public preview in early 2025.
Additionally, Microsoft said it’s expanding its language-focused AI capabilities to PowerPoint through its Copilot AI feature. Users will soon be able to translate entire presentations into any of 40 languages.
The company also announced other updates coming to Copilot, including the ability for users to ask for a quick summary of anything shared on screen during a PowerPoint presentation or from a link shared in a chat, without needing to open the content. Microsoft is also enhancing summary capabilities, including a way for users to add speaker notes to slides.
“We’ve dramatically improved Copilot performance — responses are two times faster on average and response satisfaction is nearly three times higher — and shipped hundreds of new features,” the company said in a blog post. “And we’re adding new value to Copilot to tackle work’s biggest pain points and help every employee scale their impact — from automating repetitive tasks to managing your calendar.”
Microsoft Ignite, which is held in Chicago this year, runs through Friday.
