Google Shuts Down Translation Service

Google has done so many great things that have helped us all in real estate. But today, they delivered an announcement that may pose a problem for some.

If your Web developer is using the Google Translate API to translate your website into multiple languages, you need to act now to replace it before December 2011. It is important to note that Google is not turning off the Google Translate website nor the Translate Web Element.

The Google Translate Web Element is a solution that allows users to paste text into a box and have it translated. What is being swept away is the programming interface that allows Web developers to translate text dynamically – for example, you could take the MLS IDX feed, run it through the Google Translate API, and publish listings in piles of languages.

If you are offering content on your website in multiple languages today, contact your Web developer and ask if they are using Google to do this. If the answer is yes, find out what they are going to do before Google shuts it off. You may want to investigate services from Immobel or Proxio as alternatives.

Learn more about Immobel.

Learn more about Proxio.

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