Speeek, the Japanese - English / Chinese translator

Softbank’s software division BBSS have just launch Speeek! for Japanese travellers heading for China [iTunes] and English-speaking countries [iTunes].

It’s a voice-enabled dictionary that contains 1500 phrases commonly used when arriving at an airport, checking in to a hotel, eating out, using local transport, sightseeing and having basic conversations. As well as set phrases for the user, likely responses are also given.

I’m thinking that this could also be useful for those studying Japanese – spend hours practising pronunciation by attempting to ask it questions in Japanese.

Having said that, if it’s anything like Google’s Mobile App it will be of more value for comedic purposes than actually getting a translation of what you want to say.