Microsoft Edge is in the process of enhancing its built-in PDF reader with a translation feature. This development aims to simplify the translation of documents directly within the browser.
X user @Leopeva64 discovered that the experimental version of the browser, known as Microsoft Edge Canary, now offers the capability to translate selected text within its native PDF reader. Users can highlight the desired text, right-click, and then navigate to “More actions” followed by “Translate selection”. Previously, this option was inaccessible, being grayed out in the context menu. However, indications suggest that Microsoft is nearing the feature’s public release.
Edge's PDF reader will let you translate the selected text, in Edge Canary that option is no longer grayed out in the context menu, the text itself is not yet translated, but I expect this to start working in the next few days:https://t.co/MKNL0Bos1d
. pic.twitter.com/dx5335W2el— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) August 24, 2023
While the translation feature is a promising addition, it’s not yet fully operational in the Canary preview version. Some users might still encounter the greyed-out option. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether Microsoft will employ Bing AI or Bing Translator for this functionality.
Comparison with Competitor: Google Chrome
In comparison, Google Chrome, a direct competitor to Edge, lacks a translation feature in its native PDF reader. This contrasts with Chrome’s ability to translate entire web pages with a mere click on the Google Translate icon adjacent to the address bar. Nonetheless, users can utilize the Google Translate extension for translating PDF files in Chrome.
Microsoft continues to innovate with its Edge browser. As previously reported, the tech giant has been developing various new features, such as an easily accessible Bing AI chat button on the New Tab page’s dropdown menu and the launch of Edge for Business in the Stable channel (version 116).
Last Updated on November 8, 2024 11:47 am CET