- Microsoft unveils Phi-Omni ST, a compact 343M parameter model for live speech-to-speech and speech-to-text translation.
- The new Phi-Omni ST model from Microsoft is designed for high-quality, real-time translation on various devices.
- Boostlingo launches the first AI transcription service specifically for interpreted calls, capturing both source and target languages.
- Boostlingo's new AI feature aims to improve compliance and analysis for interpreting sessions with full transcripts.
- Welocalize details its AI-powered strategies to efficiently scale the localization of e-learning content for global audiences.
- Phrase, Acclaro, Sanity, and Braze form a partnership for "quadratic localization," integrating localization into the full customer journey.
- The collaboration between Phrase and its partners aims to embed localization directly within content creation and marketing automation workflows.
- The 2025 Nimdzi 100 list, ranking the top global language service providers by revenue, has been officially released.
- 1-StopAsia announces a leadership change, with CEO Don Shin stepping down.
- A Slator report finds that many linguists remain optimistic about the translation profession, citing new AI-adjacent roles.
- Interpreters are adopting AI as a support tool for preparation and terminology research rather than for live interpretation.
- The TAUS Quality AI event focused on evolving quality evaluation methods and the essential role of human-in-the-loop.
- Opptly introduces an AI certification to standardize the assessment of AI skills in the hiring process.
- Cavya releases new AI tools to automate the creation of localization glossaries and style guides.
- Acolad announces its upcoming Tech Talks event in Amstelveen for industry professionals.
- Thought leader Stefan Huyghe advocates for a "localization-first" strategy in product development for global success.
- Industry expert Dorota Pawlak highlights the importance of networking events for improving localization maturity.
- Community networking continues with events like a recent localization professionals' brunch held in Paris.
- Microsoft's Phi-Omni ST model signifies a push towards more efficient and powerful on-device AI translation.
- The new transcription service from Boostlingo provides a verifiable record of interpreted conversations.
- The 'quadratic localization' partnership seeks to create a seamless, automated workflow from content creation to global delivery.
Welcome to 'Localization News You can Use', Your Daily Dose of Localization Know‑How for June 12, 2025.
Today’s roundup is dominated by advancements in AI and strategic partnerships shaping the future of global content. We begin with a significant development from Microsoft, which has introduced a new model named Phi-Omni ST. This is a compact yet powerful AI model, with only 343 million parameters, designed for high-quality, real-time speech translation. It's capable of handling both simultaneous speech-to-speech and speech-to-text translation, a development aimed at making live translation more accessible and efficient across various devices.
In the interpreting space, Boostlingo has announced what it calls the first-of-its-kind AI transcription service specifically for interpreted calls. This new feature provides complete transcripts for both the source and target languages during an interpreting session, a tool intended to enhance accuracy, compliance, and post-call analysis for users of their platform.
Continuing with AI's practical applications, Welocalize has highlighted its AI-driven strategies for scaling e-learning content localization. The company is focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence to manage the growing volume and complexity of training materials, ensuring they can be adapted for global audiences more efficiently. In a similar vein, the company Cavya has launched new AI-powered tools designed to automate the creation of glossaries and style guides, tackling a traditionally time-intensive aspect of localization project setup.
The increasing integration of AI into our workflows is also changing how talent is evaluated. Opptly has rolled out a new AI certification program for the hiring industry. This initiative aims to provide a standardized way to verify AI proficiency among job candidates, a skill that is becoming increasingly critical for roles within the localization sector.
Discussions around AI's impact on quality and human expertise were central to the recent TAUS Quality AI event, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the evolution of quality evaluation in an AI-first era, reinforcing the continued importance of the "human-in-the-loop" model. This sentiment is echoed in recent industry analysis. A Slator report indicates that despite widespread AI adoption, many seasoned linguists still recommend translation as a viable and rewarding career path. The reasoning points to the evolution of linguist roles towards post-editing, cultural consulting, and handling specialized content where human nuance remains irreplaceable. Another report explores how interpreters are currently using AI, not as a replacement, but as a support tool for tasks like preparation, terminology research, and administrative efficiency.
Turning to industry growth and collaboration, the 2025 Nimdzi 100 list of the top language service providers has been released, offering its annual snapshot of the language industry's key players and market performance. On the partnership front, a significant collaboration has been announced between Phrase, Acclaro, Sanity, and Braze. This alliance aims to deliver what they term "quadratic localization," a model focused on deeply integrating localization into the entire customer experience and content creation lifecycle, from the content management system to marketing automation platforms. This approach is aligned with thought leadership from figures like Stefan Huyghe, who emphasize the need for a "localization-first" mindset in product development and content strategy for achieving true global reach.
In corporate news, 1-StopAsia has announced an upcoming leadership transition. Don Shin will be stepping down from his role as CEO, with a new leadership team set to guide the company forward.
Finally, the value of in-person connection and knowledge sharing continues to be a priority. Acolad is preparing to host its Tech Talks in Amstelveen, providing a forum for technology-focused discussions. This highlights a broader trend seen in smaller, community-driven events as well, such as a recent localization professionals' brunch in Paris shared by Elena Murgolo. As emphasized by industry professionals like Dorota Pawlak, these networking opportunities are invaluable for sharing insights and advancing localization maturity across the industry.