Google Brain researchers have succeeded in translating speech without transcribing it first . Speech translation by machines normally involves first converting it into text before translating it into another language , meaning any error in the initial translation will lead to a mistake in the latter . But she thinks it could set the standard for future machine translation. Researchers used neural networks – computer systems modelled on the human brain – to cut out the transcription phase , potentially paving the way for more accurate and faster translations . In those translating from French to English , the neural network - based system produced better quality translations than those converting into text first .
Google Brain researchers have succeeded in translating speech without transcribing it first . Speech translation by machines normally involves first converting it into text before translating it into another language , meaning any error in the initial translation will lead to a mistake in the latter . Researchers used neural networks – computer systems modelled on the human brain – to cut out the transcription phase , potentially paving the way for more accurate and faster translations . In those translating from French to English , the neural network - based system produced better quality translations than those converting into text first .