OpenAI has launched a new standalone web tool, ChatGPT Translate, that supports more than 50 languages and is positioned as a direct rival to Google Translate. Like Google's offering, the tool uses a simple dual-panel layout, with one box for entering the source text and another for displaying the translation, along with dropdown menus to select the source and target languages.
ChatGPT Translate performs the functions expected of a standard translation service. However, its distinguishing feature lies in the options available after the translation appears. At the bottom of the interface, users are presented with one-tap prompt options that allow them to modify the translated text. These include prompts such as making the translation more fluent, rewriting it in a business-formal tone, simplifying it for a child or tailoring it for an academic audience. Selecting any option redirects users to the main ChatGPT interface with a pre-filled prompt, allowing for further adjustments using generative AI.
This design gives ChatGPT Translate an AI-first approach, enabling users to consider context, tone, and audience, something that traditional translation services have not usually provided, according to Android Authority.
However, the feature gap with Google Translate remains significant. Though the ChatGPT Translate page notes support for image translations, there is currently no way to add images to the translation box, and the service only supports plain text on desktop. Mobile users can use the microphone to speak text for translation, but the tool does not yet handle documents, handwriting, websites, or real-time conversations, all areas where Google Translate has long been strong. Google's service also supports a larger number of languages than ChatGPT Translate.
According to The Verge, the standard ChatGPT chatbot has offered translation capabilities for years, and the launch of ChatGPT Translate represents the release of these features as a dedicated web service. Currently, there is no ChatGPT Translate app available on Apple or Google's app stores, unlike Google Translate, which is accessible as both a website and mobile application. OpenAI has not publicly announced the launch or disclosed which AI model powers the translation tool.
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