4 platforms for app localization
Alexander Sergeevwrote this on Мар 6, 2015
As popularity of your app is growing, you’ll face the need to translate it to other languages. We have reviewed and chosen 4 platforms which will help developers to localize their apps.
1. Crowdin
The service allows to upload different types of language files, including popular .strings, .ini and .html. After file uploading you’re able to choose a list of languages you want to translate the app into. For every line you may enter contextual information and add a screenshot, showing where this line is in the interface. If translator needs additional explanation, he/she may leave a comment for every individual line.
Several translators may work on the same file simultaneously. The best translation is chosen by voting. Then, project manager approves this or that variant according to the number of votes.
The service includes all the necessary for a manager and translator functions: machine translation, glossary, database with former translation, possibility to look through the text in different regimes which is essential when you’re translating not a language file, but a full-fledged text.
The price of a monthly subscription is very tempting. In comparison with Transifex it’s a little bit lower, but with the same type of subscription we got all the additional features, as tracking translator’s activity.
2. Transifex
Functionality of this service doesn’t differ a lot from the previous one, but it offers a great choice of informational materials on app localization. Such companies as Coursera, WordPress and even Firefox are listed as clients of the service. Transifex collects own products localization stories in section case studies. It’s a priceless case of knowledge for localization managers, where you can borrow from some ideas or get in touch with people working in this industry.
But keep in mind that if you decide to choose this service, it’ll be hard to contact support team, especially if you use basic subscription. They will surely answer and help you but you’ll need to wait at least several days. Moreover, you’ll have to solve the issues in English only.
3. Smartling
A good platform which has a more pleasant interface than the 2 above mentioned. Wonderful analytic tools display translators’ activity and help to compare which team work more effectively. It’s also one of the best platforms for localization managers who don’t have sufficient technical knowledge to, for example, integrate web site page with the translation service. In Smartling guys explain the translation process and how to adjust it as simple as possible.
The key difference is that localized pages are automatically generated on Smartling server. When you edit your site, you don’t have to upload updated files. The platform will do everything for you: extract new resources, process them and forward a translation inquiry to translators.
Drawbacks of the platform are slow-reacting support team and subscription price. By the way, the prices aren’t stated on the site. In order to learn them, you’ll have to call to their office. The cheapest subscription costs $1000 (without professional translators services, which the company is actively promoting). If you’re working with volunteer-translators, you’ll have to try hard to avoid Smartling payment system in order to give a volunteer access to the project.
4. Transfluent
This platform slightly differs from others as the main translation objects aren’t elements of UI, but communication among you and your users scattered around the world. Transfluent will help to translate your tweets and posts in Facebook into different languages and instantly get a translated response to it.
The best function of the service is user support in different languages. So if a user form China writes to you in Cantonese, the inquiry will be sent to Transfluent database and you’ll have to wait when the first free translator will translate it for you.
Before choosing a translation platform you should keep in mind the specific tasks you need to accomplish. Learn thoroughly a client base of this or that service. And also contact the companies which already use the service. Thus, you’ll be able to get an honest and reliable opinion whether you should buy the subscription or seek another option.
