A new pair of translating glasses by the Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo can translate foreign menus into understandable text in real-time.
Once casted over a foreign menu with different words from one's native tongue, the glasses project the user's native language over the foreign words. This extends to unfamiliar signs and menus. With the city of Tokyo slated to host the Olympics in 2020, the glasses could be a useful addition for those not only hoping to attend the Olympics, but to use it in countries abroad too.
With the relative lack of English-language menus in Japan, NTT Docomo is hoping to enable "instant language translation for users traveling abroad and reading restaurant menus and other documents." In addition, the translating glasses can, if animated tags are available, activate them by turning any flat surface into a touchscreen using a finger ring.
Language Translating Glasses
The Translating Glasses by NTT Docomo Translate Menus and Signs
Trend Themes
1. Real-time Language Translation - Opportunity for companies to develop similar translating technology for use in various industries such as hospitality and tourism.
2. Augmented Reality Glasses - Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to create new use cases for augmented reality glasses beyond gaming and entertainment, such as language translation or accessibility tools.
3. Touchscreen Technology - Potential for companies to incorporate interactive touchscreen technology in glasses or other devices to enhance user experience and functionality.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hotels and restaurants can benefit from incorporating real-time language translation technology to enhance the experience of foreign customers and improve communication between staff and guests.
2. Tourism - Tour companies and travel agencies can use augmented reality glasses with language translation capabilities to provide immersive tours and better communication with non-native speaking tourists.
3. Accessibility - Companies in the accessibility industry can utilize augmented reality glasses as a tool to assist individuals with visual impairments to navigate and interact with their environment.