Google’s message at ABTA gets lost in translation
Technology was one of the main themes of this year’s ABTA Travel Convention, but true to form it didn’t always work properly during the presentations.
Slides refused to load, the sound quality was poor on videos, but perhaps the most embarrassing gaff was during a presentation by none other than technology giant Google.
Unveiling some of its latest innovations, Google head of travel UK and Ireland Nigel Huddleston asked his colleague in the gallery to demonstrate a new voice activated version of Google Translate.
With the screen of his mobile projected onto the stage for all to see, the demonstrator tested out the Spanish translation technology with the phrase: “Where is the beach?”
After a short pause, Google Translate worked its magic and revealed the Spanish translation:
“Dondé està la b****”
Luckily Huddleston was able to see the funny side.
“As you can see, we’ve developed millions of pounds worth of Google technology so we can swear at each other in different languages!” he joked.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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