NextAI Translator is an open-source project that provides selected-text translation based on the ChatGPT API, including a browser extension and a cross-platform desktop application. The project was originally a Bob plugin on macOS, later developed into a Chrome extension, and further evolved into a multi-platform desktop application. Due to a trademark ownership warning received from OpenAI, the project has been renamed NextAI Translator.
Purpose
It is mainly used for translation, while also providing polishing and summarization functions. It supports mutual translation, polishing, and summarization across 55 languages.
Main Capabilities
- Three modes: translation, polishing, and summarization.
- Supports streaming output.
- Allows users to customize the translated text.
- One-click copy.
- Text-to-speech (TTS).
- Supports screenshot translation.
- Supports a vocabulary book, and can generate memory aids based on the words in the vocabulary book.
- Supports multiple LLM providers: OpenAI, TeamoRouter, Azure OpenAI Service, MiniMax, etc. TeamoRouter is recommended; it is an OpenAI-compatible LLM gateway that allows you to use OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, etc. through a single API key, saving up to 90% of costs. Built-in support: simply select TeamoRouter in the settings and paste the API key.
- Requires applying for an OpenAI API key or an Azure OpenAI Service API key.
- If OpenAI is inaccessible, an OpenAI API proxy can be used.
How to Use
Desktop Installation
- Windows: Download the installer ending in .exe from the latest release page and double-click to install. If it prompts that it is unsafe, you can click "More info" -> "Run anyway" to continue the installation.
- macOS: Download the .dmg installer for the corresponding chip from the latest release page. For Apple Silicon machines, use the aarch64 version and run the following command: sudo xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/NextAI \ Translator.app If you encounter the prompt "Cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified," you can click Cancel, then go to Settings -> Privacy & Security, click "Open Anyway," and then click "Open" in the pop-up window. After that, opening NextAI Translator will no longer show a pop-up warning. If you cannot find the above option, or if an error prompt such as file corruption appears on an Apple Silicon machine, open Terminal and enter the above command (you may need to enter your password), then restart NextAI Translator. If you encounter a permission prompt every time you open it, or cannot use shortcut translation, go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Accessibility, remove NextAI Translator, and then add it again.
Desktop Selected-Text Extension Installation
See Desktop Selected-Text Extension for details.
Browser Extension
Visit the browser extension store to install the plugin. Click the NextAI Translator icon in the browser plugin list, and enter the obtained API key in the configuration interface that pops up. Refresh the browser page to use it.
Configure Azure OpenAI Service
- resourceName: Your Azure OpenAI Service resource name.
- deployName: Your Azure OpenAI Service model deployment name; you can change the model here.
- api-version: 2023-05-15 or a newer version (supported api-versions can be found in the official Azure documentation).
Applicable Scenarios
Suitable for users who need quick translation, polishing, and summarization in the browser or on the desktop, supports multiple languages, and is applicable to Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. It is also suitable for users who need screenshot translation or want to learn languages using a vocabulary book.
Limitations
- Users need to apply for an OpenAI API key or an Azure OpenAI Service API key themselves.
- The specific usage details of some features (such as screenshot translation and the vocabulary book) are not explained in detail in the materials.
- Information such as fees and pricing is not yet provided.
