Customer Reviews (100)

Vaughan Wood • 2025-12-06T07:13:26.567Z

Very accurate. Easy to use. Many language choices.

Kosrat Xailany • 2025-12-05T21:59:10.998Z

If you can improve the Kurdish Sorani language, thank you

Rosko Prosko • 2025-12-04T21:01:56.274Z

honestly one of the best translator apps that I have ever come across. I was recommended this app by my great aunt and I have used it ever since. I 100% would recommend this app.

Summary of Key Insights

The Microsoft Translator app receives mixed reviews, with a bimodal distribution of ratings (high number of 1-star and 5-star reviews). While some users praise its accuracy, ease of use, and language selection, a significant number express dissatisfaction, particularly after recent updates. The main weaknesses revolve around usability issues, removal of features, and bugs introduced in recent versions. The overall sentiment is polarized, with a considerable portion of users feeling the app has deteriorated over time. Quantitatively, the app has a low average rating due to the high volume of 1-star reviews. The score distribution shows a strong negative sentiment, with 45% giving a 1-star rating.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on mentions of "recent updates" and the year 2025 in some reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (based on star ratings and review text), keyword extraction (to identify common themes and issues), and frequency analysis (to determine the prevalence of different complaints and requests).

Key User Pain Points

  • Usability Issues after Updates: Many users complain about the new UI being confusing, difficult to use, and less intuitive than previous versions. This includes difficulty navigating the app, finding settings, and performing basic tasks like changing languages.
  • Loss of Functionality: Several reviewers report that key features have been removed or broken in recent updates. Examples include the inability to copy translated text, the removal of pinyin for Chinese translations, the disappearance of offline mode, and the absence of a "detect language" option.
  • Bugs and Technical Problems: Users report various technical issues, including app crashes, inability to translate speech, problems with audio playback, and buttons being obscured by the Android interface.
  • Loud Camera Shutter Sound: The inability to disable the camera shutter sound during image translation is a significant annoyance for users in public or meetings.
  • Inaccurate Translations Compared to Competitors: Some users find the translation quality to be inferior to Google Translate and DeepL.
  • No Offline Mode: A recurring complaint is the lack of offline translation capabilities.
  • No Pinyin for Chinese Translations: Many users want Pinyin to be displayed for Chinese translations.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Offline Translation: The most frequently requested feature is the ability to use the app offline.
  • Pinyin for Chinese Translations: Users want the app to display Pinyin for Chinese translations.
  • Option to Disable Camera Shutter Sound: Users want the ability to turn off the camera shutter sound when using the image translation feature.
  • Continuous Translation Mode: A feature to continuously translate between two selected languages without repeatedly pressing the "listen" button.
  • Slow Speaking Option: An option to slow down the speech output.
  • Old Interface Option: Some users request the ability to revert to the previous interface.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Accuracy (in some cases): Some users find the translations to be accurate.
  • Ease of Use (previous versions): Before recent updates, the app was praised for its ease of use.
  • Language Selection: The app supports a wide range of languages.
  • Cantonese Support: Some users specifically appreciate the support for Cantonese.
  • Large Font Size: The large font size is beneficial for users with visual impairments.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Usability Issues: Revert or significantly improve the UI based on user feedback. Focus on making the app more intuitive and easier to navigate. Conduct thorough user testing before releasing future updates.
  • Fix Bugs and Technical Problems: Prioritize fixing reported bugs and technical issues, such as app crashes, audio playback problems, and button display issues.
  • Restore Lost Functionality: Reinstate previously available features that users miss, such as the ability to copy translated text, offline mode, and the "detect language" option.
  • Add Option to Disable Camera Shutter Sound: Implement an option to disable the camera shutter sound during image translation.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Translation Accuracy: Continuously improve the accuracy of translations, potentially by leveraging user feedback and comparing results to competitors.
  • Implement Pinyin for Chinese Translations: Add the option to display Pinyin for Chinese translations.
  • Implement Continuous Translation Mode: Add a continuous translation mode for easier conversations.
  • Add Slow Speaking Option: Include an option to slow down the speech output.

Low Priority:

  • Consider an Option to Revert to the Old Interface: Provide an option for users to switch back to the previous interface, even if temporarily, while the new UI is being improved.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Language Learning Companion: Develop an app that integrates translation with language learning features, providing personalized lessons and feedback based on the user's translation history.
  • Offline Translation Device: Create a dedicated hardware device for offline translation, targeting travelers and individuals in areas with limited internet connectivity.
  • Translation Service for Niche Languages: Focus on providing highly accurate translations for less common languages, catering to specific cultural or professional needs.
  • Real-Time Translation Earbuds: Develop earbuds that provide real-time translation during conversations, eliminating the need to constantly look at a screen.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Shift After Updates: A clear trend is the decline in user satisfaction following recent updates, indicating a need for better change management and user testing processes.
  • Importance of Offline Functionality: The demand for offline translation highlights the importance of catering to users in areas with limited or unreliable internet access.
  • Focus on User Experience: The feedback emphasizes the critical role of user experience in app adoption and retention. A clean, intuitive interface is essential for user satisfaction.
  • Language-Specific Needs: The request for Pinyin in Chinese translations demonstrates the importance of considering language-specific needs and cultural nuances.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Translator app has the potential to be a valuable tool for communication across language barriers. However, recent updates have negatively impacted user experience, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. By addressing the identified pain points, restoring lost functionality, and prioritizing user feedback, Microsoft can regain user trust and improve the app's overall rating. A focus on usability, accuracy, and offline capabilities is crucial for success in the competitive translation app market.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/work/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.translator