An Orlando-based company, Vcom3D, is about to deploy the first iPod-based military-grade translation software for 160 iPods along with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq — that’s pretty neat, given that a lot of soldiers probably already carry iPods with them anyway and are familiar with the interface.
The software contains audio that can be played over a small speaker for simple commands like: “We need to search your vehicle.” It also includes written text, and animated gestures to help comprehension.
For now, the company is releasing Iraqi-Arabic and Kurdish languages, but says that the Pashto and Dari dialects will be available for use in Afghanistan in November 2007.
VCom3D is also working on a version for the new flash-based iPod nano, which no doubt will hold up much better in a war zone.
[via TUAW]
This is such a great idea. I find it very interesting that VCom3D has contemplated including animated gestures to help comprehension. Sometimes, especially in difficult circumstances, an image is worth a thousand words!