Google shows off Android translation service and Google TV

Google made a number of key announcements to round off IFA 2010 in Berlin, including an addition to its Translation app that allows two people who do not speak the same language to have a conversation by sharing an Android handset.

Hugo Barra, product management director at Google, was on hand to preview the experimental feature that could be seen as a breakthrough in translation.

A conversation between two people was demonstrated on stage with one speaking in English and the other German. The Google app translated parts of the conversation in turn so that the pair could communicate.

The demonstration required a couple of phrases to be repeated, but was largely successful and could be a valuable tool for business travellers.

The possibility of Google translating mobile phone conversations live over the air was also hinted at by chief executive Eric Schmidt in a Q&A session.

"Live translate is the next logical succession, and may be possible in the future," he said.

The conversation translator is currently in the experimental phase and an exact roll out is yet to be determined.

Google also showcased improvements to its voice search app, and Barra was keen to note that the app is being optimised so that it can understand language in context.

Barra asked the software to "navigate to a museum with Egyptian stuff", and the device was able to find out that the Pergamon Museum was the location required. It was able to successfully carry out the search because the device knew it was in Berlin, and related this to thousands of pages on the web about the museum.

However, a reporter was adamant that this particular museum is not known to house Egyptian artefacts.