Welcome to the LOCANUCU blog, your source for localization news you can actually use. Today, September 19th, 2025, we're covering the latest breakthroughs in AI-driven media localization with Sync's new lip-sync model, and we're unpacking the high-level investment discussions from SlatorCon. We'll also look at Grammarly's strategic expansion into new languages, Lionbridge's recent award win, and Blackbird's new podcast that's challenging how we approach multilingual content creation from the start. Let's get into the details.
- Sync previewed its new AI lip-sync model at SlatorCon, focusing on preserving emotional nuance.
- The new Sync technology aims to provide a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional dubbing.
- Investors at SlatorCon debated if Language AI is a commodity or an opportunity, concluding it's an opportunity for specialized solutions.
- The panel emphasized proprietary data and workflows as key differentiators in the AI language market.
- Nimdzi recognized Algebra's AI as its "Tech of the Week" for its innovative localization solutions.
- Blackbird has launched the "Shift Left" podcast to advocate for earlier integration of localization in content creation.
- Lionbridge won a Gold Stevie Award at the 2025 International Business Awards for its Branded Content Campaign.
- Grammarly expanded its AI writing assistance to five new languages beyond English.
- The European Language Industry Association (Elia) is currently hosting its Focus on Project Management conference in Athens.
- RWS shared insights on the importance of localizing patents for international protection.
- Andovar is highlighting available positions for Thai Media Annotators.
- The Localization Institute is promoting its upcoming "Localization Project Management" course.
- Acclaro is seeking a Senior Localization Project Manager.
- Translated posted about the critical role of human linguists in the age of AI.
- Lingo Operations discussed optimizing customer support with multilingual chatbots.
- BLEND is hiring for a Marketing Operations Manager position.
- Welocalize shared a guide on evaluating AI translation quality.
- Inter-tab is looking for an intern in Translation and Terminology Management.
- Acolad is discussing its mission to connect cultures through language and content.
- Smartling highlighted its integrations with popular content management systems.
- Columbia University is promoting several virtual and in-person translation events for September.
- 3di Information Solutions emphasized the need for a solid content strategy before tool selection.
- Women in Localization continues its mission to support and empower women in the industry.
- Nimdzi Insights is preparing for its upcoming Interpreting Executive Forum.
Kicking off with advancements in media localization, Sync has provided a first look at its upcoming lip-sync model during a presentation at SlatorCon. The new model is designed to generate seamless, natural-looking lip-sync in a target language while preserving the original speaker's emotional delivery and acting nuances. This technology aims to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with traditional dubbing methods, offering a scalable solution for the growing volume of video content.
The intersection of investment and artificial intelligence continues to be a major topic. At SlatorCon, a panel of investors discussed the language AI thesis, exploring whether AI is creating new opportunities or turning language services into a commodity. The consensus pointed towards a significant opportunity for companies that can effectively leverage AI to build specialized, high-value solutions, rather than competing on raw machine translation output alone. The discussion highlighted the importance of proprietary data and sophisticated workflows in creating a defensible business model in the current landscape.
In recognition of technological innovation, Nimdzi has named Algebra's AI its "Tech of the Week." This acknowledgment highlights Algebra's contributions to AI-driven solutions within the localization industry, recognizing their platform's impact on streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency for language service providers.
Content strategy is also evolving, with Blackbird launching a new podcast titled "Shift Left." The podcast aims to rethink the multilingual content creation process, advocating for localization considerations to be integrated at the very beginning of the content lifecycle. This "shift left" approach is presented as a way to improve quality, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market for global products.
In awards news, Lionbridge has received a Gold Stevie Award in the 2025 International Business Awards. The company was honored for its Branded Content Campaign of the Year, a recognition of their marketing efforts and ability to create impactful, engaging content that resonates with a global audience.
Expanding the reach of language technology, Grammarly has moved beyond its English-only roots. The company has officially launched its AI-powered writing assistance for five new languages, making its popular grammar, spelling, and style suggestions available to a much broader user base and signaling a significant step in the tool's global expansion.
On the events front, the European Language Industry Association, or Elia, is holding its Focus on Project Management event in Athens. This conference brings together project managers from across the industry to discuss best practices, new technologies, and the evolving role of the PM in a landscape increasingly shaped by AI and automation.
Looking at community and professional development, Columbia University is highlighting several upcoming translation events for September, available both virtually and in person, offering opportunities for learning and networking. The Women in Localization organization continues to be active, promoting mentorship and career growth within its global community.
In company updates, RWS has been actively sharing insights on managing global content and intellectual property. Welocalize is discussing the importance of quality evaluation in AI-driven localization. Meanwhile, translated is focusing on how to leverage AI to help companies go global more effectively. We're also seeing numerous job opportunities posted across the industry, with companies actively seeking talent in project management, engineering, and sales roles, indicating a healthy and growing market.
That's a wrap for today's news. We've seen how AI continues to push boundaries, from Sync's nuanced lip-sync technology to the strategic insights shared by investors at SlatorCon. Companies like Lionbridge are being recognized for their excellence in content, while platforms like Grammarly are making their tools more accessible globally. The conversation is also shifting, with initiatives like Blackbird's "Shift Left" podcast encouraging a more integrated approach to localization. Stay tuned to LOCANUCU for more actionable insights that keep you ahead in the localization industry.