Sony Unveils PSP Translator

http://image.lik-sang.com/images//170/talkman.jpg

Source Slashdot

Sony has released software for its popular PSP handheld gaming device called TalkMan. In development for some time now, the program currently stores about 3,000 conversation patterns in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. 'A user may speak the words "Koko-wa-dokodesuka?" (Where is this?) in Japanese, for example, into the device's microphone, upon which a cartoon bird acting as an interpreter will pop up and start talking in the user's language. The bird is also able to translate the reply into Japanese.' A European release for TalkMan is expected in the spring

More info about the TalkMan here --> http://www.yesasia.com/?/info.php?pro...3&lsaid=219793

Um... wasn't this released like 3 or 4 months ago? Heck, I've had my copy for about 2 weeks now. Ah, the wonders of Ebay.

It's pretty neat and generally cool, but I don't know if I would recommend it though. Since the game doesn't spell out the words for you phonetically, it's super hard to listen to what the bird says and repeat it. They don't say things slowly enough or clear enough most of the time, at least for a Japanese Novice like myself. It would be helpful for people that already understand some of the language they are trying to teach you.

For instance, if they made a spanish version, I would easily be able to make use of it, because I already understand a little spanish. But for a completely foreign language like Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, it's a difficult game to master. The little microphone on top is also pretty cool, but seems a little flimsy and took alot of effort to pull out afterwards. If I left it in my PSP all of the time, I'd be worried that it might break, possibly damaging the PSP's USB port in the process.

I think koko wa doko desu ka?? means where I am or where are we?? I'm a newbie in Japanese so I can make mistakes??^^

koko=here doko=where desu=is ka=umnn... makes it a question :P

Translation = where is here(this place)?
Just like any other language, body language and expression tells a lot. If you're pointing to a place on a map, wraggster is totaly correct (word for word, he is correct anyway) If your talking to someone and pointing around you and look like a lost puppy then of course any Japanese person with 1/4 brain knows you're saying 'Where the hell am I'? LOL

Back on topic... I don't recommend it either. Every phrase the thing knows is pre-programmed and that's it. Even if you know the exact words, it will still show you a list of choices that you have to choose from anyway. (not withstanding the fact that initially you have to pick the situation you're in first, meaning you never have access to every phrase for any 1 language at any 1 time... pathetic) The cool factor wears off 5 minutes after you have the microphone installed and configed.