Microsoft is bringing a new feature to Teams called “Interpreter,” which will allow users to sound like themselves while speaking in different languages. Announced during the Microsoft Ignite 2024 event, this tool will launch in early 2025 and offer real-time speech-to-speech translation for meetings. Users will be able to communicate in nine languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, while keeping a voice similar to their own.
“Picture being able to speak in another language but still sounding like yourself,” said Jared Spataro, Microsoft’s CMO, in a blog post. This new feature aims to make conversations more personal and engaging during virtual meetings.
Interpreter will only be available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Microsoft assured users that the tool won’t store biometric data or add extra emotions to voices. Users must actively give consent for voice simulation, either through meeting notifications or in their Teams settings.
Microsoft isn’t the only company advancing in voice and translation tech. Meta is testing a voice translation feature for Instagram Reels, and ElevenLabs has developed multilingual speech tools. However, AI translations often struggle with capturing slang, cultural meanings, or metaphors as accurately as human interpreters. Still, for many businesses, the reduced costs make it a compelling option. Reports predict the natural language processing industry, including translation tools, could grow to $35.1 billion by 2026.
Despite its benefits, voice cloning raises security concerns. Deepfake technology has been misused to impersonate people, including public figures like President Joe Biden and Taylor Swift. Scams using voice impersonation cost victims over $1 billion last year, according to the FTC. There’s also an alarming case this year where cybercriminals used a fake Teams meeting to steal $25 million.
While Microsoft says Interpreter is narrowly designed to replicate voices without added risks, some worry about potential misuse, like translating deceptive messages into other languages. As the release date approaches, Microsoft is expected to share more about how it plans to protect users.
