Good news for anyone wanting to make friends in foreign countries or doing business in languages they can’t quite grasp, Skype’s real-time translator is now being integrated as a built-in feature for desktop users running Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8. In the beginning though it won’t quite break all language barriers and will only include six languages: English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish. 50 more languages will be included in the Skype for desktop messaging app.

Real-time translation is not quite magical yet as users have said, so don’t expect to be waffling on to your Chinese buddy in your thick New York accent and there not be any miscommunication. Even so, this is a step in a good direction and the chrysalis of a more connected world.

In a Skype blog the team revealed, “It has been a long-time dream at Skype to break down language barriers and bring everyone across the globe closer together. Researchers, engineers, and many others across Microsoft have been working hard to make this dream a reality and we are looking forward to bringing this preview technology to more devices.”

It might not be perfect in translating all the time, but Microsoft explains that the translator gets smarter with more use as it uses machine learning technology. During the preview stage Microsoft says it has learned what needs to be fixed and what issues are common. It seems Redmond is now confident Skype’s real-time translator can be unleashed on the world. Over the next few weeks it will be rolled out to Windows desktop users and soon those users will see a translator option in Skype. Click the button and make your call to see how well it works. We’d love to hear your feedback.

So far Microsoft hasn’t said anything about when it will come to Mac or iOS or Android, but given Redmond’s drive to push all its software cross-platform don’t be surprised to see it going that way soon. Microsoft gives plenty of examples of how the translator can make a huge difference, including planning a year out in China, small businesses contacting suppliers, PhD students researching their thesis and general world travel. Even if the efficacy can be criticized, these are exciting times for anyone needing a global tongue.

Photo credit: David Shankbone via Flickr