# Universal Lingustech Technology mitigates language barriers for inclusion and efficiency. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published Mar 1, 2018 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/universal-lingustech ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Universal Lingustech trend? **Universal Lingustech:** In the past, technology has been monumental in bridging gaps created by written and verbal language barriers; now, real-time technologies are creating the possibility for more seamless interactions. Products that not only decipher spoken speech but physical gestures, coded language and more, are empowering consumers to leverage tech as a humanization tool. This progression showcases how, contrary to popular belief, technology can be leveraged to enhance social interactions. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 14, 2016 to Dec 11, 2018 - Published: Mar 1, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Universal Lingustech trend ### Real-time language translation technology There is a surge in the development of real-time language translation technology, which can help mitigate language barriers and promote more seamless communication. ### Machine learning and AI-powered wearables The development of machine learning and AI-powered wearables can enhance the functionality of glasses, making it possible to automatically recognize images and read them aloud to the wearer. ### Recognition of unique challenges for language translation Tech companies are now recognizing the unique challenges presented by languages like Sign Language, meaning that helpful translation software and video games can be developed for users who may have previously felt left out. ## What the Universal Lingustech trend means for industry ### For Language and translation industry Real-time translation technology is an opportunity for the language and translation industry to attract more users and offer effective communication services. ### For Wearables industry Machine learning and AI-powered wearables are disruptive innovation opportunities for the wearables industry. ### For Gaming and education industry Recognition of unique challenges for language translation presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the gaming and education industry to create inclusive games and educational material. ## Workshop question What is one new way that your brand could leverage technology to add more humanizing characteristics to its products/services? ## Trend signals for Universal Lingustech Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Universal Lingustech trend 5 featured examples from Jul 14, 2016 to Dec 11, 2018. - [Smart Text-Reading Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oton-smart-glasses): The 'Oton' Smart Glasses Dictates Fine Print or Foreign Languages (Category: Tech) Implication: The 'Oton' smart glasses are a disruptive innovation in the assistive technology industry by providing a new way of reading fine print and foreign languages - [WiFi Hotspot Language Translators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-pocket-translator): The 'TranSay' Instant Pocket Translator Works with 30 Languages (Category: Tech) Implication: The TranSay can disrupt how tourists communicate with locals by making language translation easier and more accessible - [Sign Language Translation Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signall): 'SignAll' is Working to Create Real-Time Translation Possible (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate real-time language recognition technology into translation service platforms. - [ASL AI Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stradigi-ai): Stradigi AI Developed an American Sign Language Game to Educate People (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can leverage AI and computer vision technology to create educational games for language learning. - [Emoji-Deciphering Chat Bots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emoji-strings): 'Decodemoji' Turns Emoji Strings into Grammatical Sentences (Category: Tech) Implication: Potential for messaging platforms to integrate emoji translation chat bots to improve user experience and enhance communication. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)