Microsoft has flipped the switch on Skype Translator Preview, bringing nearly real-time translation to invitees on Windows 8.1.

Skype Translator lets users have live voice conversations across different languages. When one users speaks, a computerized voice delivers the translation to the other user. A transcription also appears in a sidebar next to the main video chat window.

For now, the Preview is limited to English and Spanish for voice transcription, though it supports IM conversations in more than 40 languages. It also requires a PC running either Windows 8.1 or the Windows 10 Technical Preview, and requires an invitation; you can get on the list through Microsoft’s Skype Translator Website.

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