Google has updated the Translate app on Android and iOS to allow for real-time language translation of both written and spoken content .

The Translate app already lets you use camera mode to snap a photo of text and get a translation for it in 36 languages. Now, Google is letting you instantly translate text using your camera - so it's way easier to navigate street signs in the Italian countryside or decide what to order off a Barcelona menu. While using the Translate app, just point your camera at a sign or text and you'll see the translated text overlaid on your screen - even if you don't have an Internet or data connection.

The feature builds on Word Lens technology that Google acquired last year when it bought Quest Visual, a startup founded by former video game developer Otavio Good.

This instant translation currently works for translation from English to and from French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, and will be soon expanded to more languages, Google says.

In addition, simply tap the mic to start speaking in a selected language, then tap the mic again, and the Google Translate app will automatically recognize which of the two languages are being spoken. For the rest of the conversation, you won't need to tap the mic again. An automated voice speaks translations, which are displayed in writing on smartphone screens, while transcripts of chats can be saved.

These updates will be coming to both Android and iOS, rolling out over the next few days. This is the first time some of these features, like camera translations and conversation mode, will be available for iOS users.