Real‑Time Translation in Video Calls – How Helga Connects with Her Granddaughter Again

Problem

Phone calls fail due to language barriers. Chat translations after the fact kill spontaneity. Helga wants a real conversation with voice, facial expressions, and humor.

AI Solution

A translation AI integrates into the call (live captions or simultaneous speech translation). They talk normally; the AI shows subtitles and/or speaks the translation.

1. Input: Microphones capture German and English.
2. Recognition: Speech‑to‑text transcribes audio.
3. Translation: The text is translated within seconds, simplifying tricky phrases if needed.
4. Output: On‑screen captions; optional text‑to‑speech playback.

Example Flow

• “Wie war dein Schultag?” → How was your day at school?
• “Wir schicken dir ein Paket zu Weihnachten.” → We’ll send you a Christmas parcel.

Outcome

Conversations feel natural again. Helga understands jokes and follow‑ups. Shared activities—reading, crafts, cooking—work across distance.

Benefits

• Low effort: Speak instead of type.
• Personal: Voice and facial expressions preserve closeness.
• Accessible: Large captions support hearing or cognitive needs.

Limitations

• Occasional lag or errors—speaking slowly and clearly helps.
• Privacy matters: use trusted services for private conversations.
• Simplify slang or domain terms when needed.