TL;DR:
MS: “Language interpretation will allow interpreters to convert what the speaker says into another language in real time without disrupting the original flow of delivery of the speaker. This will allow more inclusive meetings, where participants who may not speak the same language can fully collaborate with each other.” Due by late August 2022.

Details:
Language interpretation will allow professional language interpreters to translate what the speaker says into another language in real time without disrupting the original flow of delivery of the speaker.

This feature in on by default, but user action is needed to toggle on this feature for meetings.

Please refer to this Microsoft blog for full instructions and general information.

Known issues and limitations shared by Microsoft:

  1. In this iteration of the feature, Organisers can only schedule interpreters unidirectionally for a language pair (e.g. interpreters can only be assigned to the English to Spanish direction. There will need to be a second interpreter to handle the Spanish to English direction).
  2. Irish/Gaeilge is currently under development and will be available before public release
  3. Interpreters cannot be external users, this is being worked on
  4. Currently, the interpreters must be selected before the meeting begins. This is being worked on.

Availability:
Due by late August 2022 (already in public preview).

Related Links and references:
Now in public preview: Language Interpretation – Microsoft Tech Community (same blog as above).

Check status:
Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 87547

For the admins:
Tenant admins should ensure the policy for language interpretation is enabled in order for their users to be able to schedule meetings with language interpreters assigned. If admins do not want to this feature to be available they will need to turn this feature off via policy.

Page originally published:
26th July 2022 and kept up to date.

MC402940