Skype’s live translation asks “can you hear me now?” in 150 langauges

Voice over IP provider Skype has added a new service that allows you to prank call people in other countries. Well, I’m sure that’s not what they intended you use it for, but really, how can I resist?

The integration with translation company Language Line allows Skype users to conference in a human translator for over 150 different languages. Essentially you have a three-way call with you, the party you’re calling, and the translator, who will interpret back and forth. But you’d better have plenty of credit in your Skype account, because it’ll run you to the tune of $2.99/min. for translation (in addition to the cost of the call, if you’re using Skype Out to call a landline or cell phone). Fortunately, it usually takes less than a minute to ask if someone’s refrigerator is running, even if that person is in Korea.

[via Ars Technica ]