LinkedIn is rolling out a new platformwide translation tool for its social network that uses artificial intelligence technology from parent company Microsoft Corp.

Announced this morning, the feature takes the form of a new “See Translation” option that will now appear at the bottom of every foreign-language post. When a user clicks the button, LinkedIn will automatically translate the text into their default language using Text Analytics API, an application programming interface for an AI service in Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.

The capability is intended to bridge the communications gaps among the 560 million professionals currently on LinkedIn. “As you make connections with clients who live in another country, co-workers located in a different office, or people you meet at global industry events, we don’t want language to be a barrier to helping you maintain meaningful professional relationships,” LinkedIn senior product manager Zack Hendlin wrote in a blog post.

One area where the automated translations could be a particularly big asset is sales. Enterprise account managers, for example, will now have an easier time staying updated about important developments that happen at overseas client organizations.

Users should benefit from the fact the Text Analytics API is the same service that powers the translation features in Skype, Bing and Office 365. This is significant because the more data an AI model processes, the better its accuracy becomes. 

LinkedIn’s translator supports more than 60 languages on launch, with more in the pipe. The capability is currently available on the web version of the social platform and will roll out for the social network’s mobile apps within a few weeks. 

LinkedIn unveiled AI-powered translation support alongside another new addition to its platform: a QR code tool aimed at making it easier for users to grow their personal networks. The platform now let workers generate QR codes linking to their profiles that can be shared with a contact to make adding a connection faster.

According to LinkedIn, the feature provides a more convenient alternative to business cards for offline introductions. A user may save their QR code as a photo so that it can be quickly brought up when the need arises, as well as share it via email or chat.

Image: LinkedIn