In 2018, I did not understand why people would choose handheld translators instead of just using their mobile phones...until I tried it a few times...
People did not choose handheld translators over mobile apps, but the convenience and the feeling of security of having something that always stands-by - just as no matter how advanced the calculator app is, yet people still spend $50 for a standalone calculator.
But, does that rationalize handheld translators inevitable? We can not answer for you, but we gave our answer by designing the ZERO translator.
The core value of a handheld translator is that it is always stand-by. Weaknesses? They are expensive, poor portability, and clumsy experience the same as mobile apps. Besides, the difference in accuracy is minimal across all translation devices.
Take a look here:
The most significant advantage of mobile apps? It is FREE. What about handheld translators? Well, it is the activation speed and ease of use.
On the contrary, WT2 Plus values the communication experience in conversing language - it is by far the closest form that resembles people’s natural conversations in native tongues - comfortable, efficient, and immersive. Such an advantage is particularly evident in high-frequency conversation scenarios like meetings, chitchats, and learning foreign languages.
However, WT2 Plus is not as suitable in low-frequency scenarios like asking for directions, ordering food, or talking to the hotel reception, such conversations could end in a sentence or two. In other words, the super immersiveness of WT2 Plus requires extended time for getting it ready.
My most profound memory ought to rewind the clock to 2018 when I was on a business trip to Germany.
------ The story starts here ------
2018, Germany. I was at the central station and waited for a train to go to the airport. The train roared into the station. Just I was about to get on the train, I wanted to double confirm that it was the right train to the airport so I would not miss my flight...and I only had seconds before the door closed...
I stopped a gentleman and made a series of clunky moves with an app - take out the phone -> open the app -> wait for it to load -> fi