NEC Demonstrates Japanese/English Communications Software for PDAs

"On May 30, NEC announced the trial service of Japanese/English communications software for PDAs (personal digital assistants) that simultaneously translates and reads aloud verbally-inputted Japanese and English phrases from either language to the other....

This PDA-targeted software utilizes the functions of the “Tabitsu” communications software originally developed for PCs, which includes translating and reading-out verbally-inputted Japanese and English phrases. The software covers a wide variety of travel-related situations such as checking into a hotel and ordering food at restaurants, allowing travelers to use the PDA as a communications tool abroad." [DigiTimes, via Slashdot]

A second generation version of something like this could be handy at the reference desk.