By tapping a button, users can now read translated content—either directly from the article feed or while viewing the full text—via on-demand, on-screen translation.
Designed for multilingual audiences in the U.S., this new capability cuts down on friction for those consuming news in their native language.
Spanish and Chinese are supported at launch, with automated translation available for both languages from day one.
SmartNews, a worldwide front-runner in news discovery, has unveiled AI-driven translation on iOS. This lets users access content in Spanish and Chinese on demand within the app. The feature allows readers to view translated headlines when browsing stories and to read full-text articles in their preferred language. By removing language obstacles and offering several ways to read in languages other than English, SmartNews advances its goal of “delivering the world’s quality information to the people who need it.”
“Our focus at SmartNews is on building tools that widen access to quality information,” stated Sho Masuda, Vice President of US Media Business. “AI Translation empowers multilingual readers to easily comprehend and interact with a broader spectrum of news coverage, all while preserving a seamless reading experience.”
To keep readers in command of their experience, the feature only activates when requested, and a single tap returns the content to English.
“Today’s readers expect technology to make accessibility possible,” remarked Bernie Davis, Head of Media Partnerships. “With translation provided by SmartNews, we can effectively meet the needs of both our users and media partners by ensuring monetization and engagement metrics stay entirely unaffected.”
For transparency, every piece of translated content includes a clear notice that it was generated by a machine. Advertisements are not translated as part of this feature.
SmartNews users will be prompted to rate their experience with the translated material using thumbs up or thumbs down. The company will closely track this user feedback.
Nanako Masui
SmartNews, Inc.
press@smartnews.com
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