Yamaha releases entertaining English version of 'RevTranslator' app

(September 1, 2014) IWATA, Japan — Yamaha Motor Co. has announced the release of the English-language version of RevTranslator, a smartphone app that analyzes sounds and operating environments to enable engines to "speak" to their owners.

The app is now available at App Store and Google Play for free. Click here to access the site.

RevTranslator analyzes engine sounds and then converts them into computer-generated speeches using a database of over 100 million phrases. Using additional factors such as time of day and weather, as well as engine sounds, it assesses operational status to convey the engine's "feelings."

Example phrases include: "Running is my happiness," "Give me a break, will you?" and "Let me go along with you until the end of the world."

"RevTranslator enables customers to take a fresh view of their engines," said Yusuke Tsunemoto, who led the app development team for Yamaha. "Although the app is meant to be entertaining, customers can use it to better understand the condition of their Yamaha motorcycles, sport boats, snowmobiles and generators."

The app was inspired by the brand slogan, "Revs your Heart," which expresses Yamaha Motor's desire to provide customers with joyful and exciting experiences.

While using the app, users accumulate points that can be used to unlock digital mascots and other exclusive content related to Yamaha products worldwide.

The Japanese version of RevTranslator was released on July 23 and created a buzz in cyberspace among motorcycle enthusiasts and other parties.