Skype Translator is now available on all Windows machines

And Redmond plans to keep adding languages to the app. “This takes Skype one step closer to our mission of empowering people to do more, even across languages. We hope that our customers can achieve their goals through relationships that would previously have been impossible," it said in a statement. "With the continued adoption of Skype Translator, we are working on rolling out new languages and platforms—bringing the translation feature to more Skype apps and implementing an even wider selection of languages."

Users can ensure their computer is running the most up to date version of Skype Translator by checking the Skype app is displaying a globe icon. If not, they are encouraged to download the latest version. Microsoft began its testing of Skype Translator as a separate application last year, but it's now coming straight to the Skype app following feedback from users and to help improve its machine-based learning.

Yasmin Khan explained that it is vital as many users as possible use Skype Translator to ensure the translations are the most accurate they can be, identifying natural speech patterns across languages. “We are thrilled with the positive response from around the world, and especially thankful to all of the early adopters who downloaded the application, and use it every day,” she wrote. “Remember: Skype Translator uses machine learning, so the more people use the technology, the better the experience for everyone!”

Skype Translator was initially rolled out to Windows 7, 8 and 10 users as well as Android and iOS, but it is not yet available on Macs, nor has Microsoft revealed when the Apple-based app will be updated to include its translation engine.

Clare Hopping