Microsoft’s newest Garage App is Group Transcribe, which lets groups of people capture real-time collective meeting transcriptions using their phones. It is now available on iOS.
“This app uses a multi-device approach to provide real-time, high quality transcription and translation, so users can be more present and productive during in-person meetings and conversations,” Microsoft’s Lainie Huston stated in a blog post.
Here is how it works: Everyone who wants to participate in the group transcription needs to install the Group Transcribe app. Then, one person will kick off the transcription, then they can invite others to join by sharing a five-letter conversation code, a QR code or by joining the group transcription with nearby sharing over Bluetooth.
Once that’s done the app will begin transcribing the group conversation, noting who stated what. Group Transcribe can even auto-translate things people say and show translations in portions of the transcription. Transcriptions are saved in the app so you can share or review them after a meeting.
Microsoft says , but it notes that the app works most efficiently for “in-person meetings with up to four people”.
You can read more about Group Transcribe and its privacy features in Microsoft’s FAQ.
