Google offer Google Translate API for a fee

A couple of weeks ago we reported that Google had announced the shutting down of several APIs including the hugely popular Google Translate. Undoubtedly it sprouted a barrage of comments from unhappy developers who made use of the APIs in their websites/apps. Some people were more constructive though, and suggested that Google offer a paid version of the Translation API instead, to help curb its “extensive abuse”.

And it looks like Google has listened. They updated their blog post with the following statement:

In the days since we announced the deprecation of the Translate API, we’ve seen the passion and interest expressed by so many of you, through comments here (believe me, we read every one of them) and elsewhere. I’m happy to share that we’re working hard to address your concerns, and will be releasing an updated plan to offer a paid version of the Translate API. Please stay tuned; we’ll post a full update as soon as possible.

I guess all hope is not lost for those of you who make use of the Google Translate API. Now we’ll just have to see how Google is going to charge for its services.

George Wong
Categories: Web
Tags: api, Google, translate