Welcome to LOCANUCU - Localization news you can use! Today is October 22, 2025, and we're covering the major shifts and updates shaping our industry. We'll explore the critical human challenges facing parliamentary interpreters in Canada, alongside major corporate moves from RWS and the acquisition of Villam Language Services. We'll also break down the latest AI advancements from tech giants like Oracle, e-commerce platforms like Catsy, and AI-native firms like Perplexity. Finally, we'll check in on the latest research from WMT 2025 and see what's happening on the ground at community events like TAUS 2025. Stay with us for the actionable insights you need.
- Canadian parliamentary interpreters may quit or strike over new work conditions for hybrid sittings.
- Oracle integrates new generative AI translation and summarization features into its OCI Language services.
- RWS makes strategic Q4 leadership hires, including Joe Fcods as VP of Sales, North America.
- RWS also appoints industry veteran Michael Wayne as its new Head of Media and Entertainment.
- AI search company Perplexity is hiring a Localization Manager, using a job description noted to be very similar to one from OpenAI.
- Industry analysis highlights how AI dubbing is fundamentally reshaping video localization workflows.
- Hungary's Villam Language Services has been acquired as part of a move to form a new global brand.
- The new global brand formed from the Villam acquisition will be named "inanylanguage."
- Catsy PIM software has launched new AI-powered multi-language translation for e-commerce brands.
- An article emphasizes the importance of nuance and "the right turn of phrase" in translation beyond literal accuracy.
- Łukasz Kaiser of OpenAI shares perspectives on the evolution of AI and its potential to "learn to think."
- Nimdzi promotes its "Nimdzi LIVE" session discussing the intersection of localization and artificial intelligence.
- K D RANCH provides interpretation and analysis of the WMT 2025 machine translation competition results.
- Tom Kocmi also shares detailed findings from the WMT 2025 general machine translation task.
- Stefan Huyghe highlights discussion on the "most painful part" of the translation workflow.
- The TAUS 2025 conference is underway in Salt Lake City.
- TranslaStars promotes the role of language solutions in achieving global growth.
- Publicis Production and Phrase announce a partnership, signaling a new model for enterprise localization.
- Diego Cresceri shares information about the European Commission's Knowledge Centre on Interpretation.
- The concept of "LangOps" is discussed as a key component of modern localization strategy.
- Libor Safar shares news about "LocLunches," a localization community networking event.
- Crowdin highlights a recent piece of user-generated content.
- Vic Parra discusses the world and role of freelancers in the language industry.
- The Association of Language Companies in Africa promotes the #VamosJuntos2026 initiative.
- Sheriff Issaka posts about the Process Innovation Challenge (PIC19) at LocWorld.
- Accessibility tech company Nagish shares an update.
- The European Language Industry Association (Elia) shares a post with its network.
In today's roundup, we begin with a significant story concerning the human element of our industry. Parliamentary interpreters in Canada are reportedly threatening to quit or refuse work due to new proposed working conditions related to virtual and hybrid sittings. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about interpreter burnout and the challenges of maintaining quality and well-being in high-stress remote interpretation environments.
Shifting to corporate leadership, RWS has announced two strategic appointments in its fourth quarter. Michael Wayne has been named the new Head of Media and Entertainment. Concurrently, Joe Fcods is taking on the role of Vice President of Sales for North America. These hires signal a clear focus on strengthening RWS's position in the media vertical and expanding its North American sales operations.
In acquisition news, the Hungarian-based Villam Language Services has been acquired. This move is part of a larger strategy to form a new global brand, which will be known as "inanylanguage." This continues the trend of market consolidation as companies aim to build larger, more comprehensive global service providers.
On the technology front, AI integration continues to accelerate. Oracle has introduced new generative AI features into its OCI Language services, specifically adding translation and summarization capabilities, with an initial focus on the healthcare industry. Similarly, Catsy, a Product Information Management software, has launched AI-powered multi-language translation. This feature is designed to help e-commerce brands streamline the process of global expansion by automating product description translations.
AI-native companies are also staffing up. Perplexity, the AI search engine, is currently hiring a Localization Manager. It was noted that the job description bears a strong resemblance to a previous posting from OpenAI, which may indicate emerging standard practices, or perhaps just efficient recruiting, as AI firms build out their globalization teams.
This relates to a broader industry discussion on how AI dubbing is reshaping video localization. The technology is being positioned as a solution to ensure "no content left behind," making vast libraries of video content accessible to global audiences more quickly and cost-effectively than ever before.
In the machine translation research community, analysis of the WMT 2025 General Machine Translation track results is underway. Experts like Tom Kocmi and K D RANCH are sharing their interpretations of the findings, providing insights into the current state and progress of MT models. On a more conceptual level, Łukasz Kaiser of OpenAI has also shared thoughts on the trajectory of AI development, specifically on when AI begins to "learn to think."
Major partnerships are also making news. Publicis Production has announced a new model in partnership with Phrase, indicating a significant adoption of localization technology platforms at the enterprise level to manage content workflows.
Finally, the global localization community is highly active. The TAUS 2025 conference is currently taking place in Salt Lake City, with attendees like Stefan Huyghe sharing updates from the event. Discussions there, as well as online, are touching on persistent workflow challenges, such as the "painful parts" of the translation and review process.
Industry events and initiatives are numerous. Nimdzi is hosting a "Nimdzi LIVE" session focusing on the impact of AI on localization. The Process Innovation Challenge, or PIC19, was highlighted at LocWorld. Diego Cresceri has drawn attention to the European Commission's Knowledge Centre on Interpretation. Community-building continues with events like the "LocLunches" shared by Libor Safar, and the Association of Language Companies in Africa is promoting its #VamosJuntos2026 initiative. These activities, along with posts from organizations like Elia, Crowdin, and Nagish, and discussions on the role of freelancers from professionals like Vic Parra, all point to a vibrant and interconnected industry.
And that's the roundup from LOCANUCU - Localization news you can use. We've covered the spectrum of the industry today, from the vital advocacy for Canadian interpreters to RWS's strategic leadership hires in media and sales. We also saw the market consolidate with Villam's acquisition to form "inanylanguage" and watched technology march forward with AI translation features from Oracle and Catsy. With Publicis and Phrase forging new partnerships and the community gathering at TAUS, it's clear the industry is in a state of dynamic change. For more in-depth analysis and to join the conversation, visit us at locanucu.com.