| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Using your CAT tool from your smartphone while travelling, real scenario? Thread poster: Philippe Locquet
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Philippe Locquet 
Portugal
Local time: 22:46
Member (2013)
English to French
+ ...
Hi all,
So I had a bit of fun creating a fiction where I begin a translation without a laptop using Wordfast Anywhere. See it here (https://youtu.be/Y6YQsIB5uKQ?si=sUdyfXQoY6anO9mU) it's 2:40 long, very short.
I used a screen-mirroring capable smartphone, a dongle, and a wireless keyboard that has a trackpad.
That requires tinkering with the settings to ma... See more Hi all,
So I had a bit of fun creating a fiction where I begin a translation without a laptop using Wordfast Anywhere. See it here (https://youtu.be/Y6YQsIB5uKQ?si=sUdyfXQoY6anO9mU) it's 2:40 long, very short.
I used a screen-mirroring capable smartphone, a dongle, and a wireless keyboard that has a trackpad.
That requires tinkering with the settings to make sure the size of the website is correctly adjusted, the keyboard layout is correctly recognized by Android... a little bit of geek tinkering.
However, it seems that smartphone OS are heading towards improving that kind of use https://www.theverge.com/news/671577/google-android-desktop-mode-samsung-dex.
Is this something you would consider as a real-world scenario, or do you think we're still far from it?
Besides the tinkering, here are the benefits I see:
_No risk to damage your laptop while travelling
_Reasonable size keyboard for ease of typing
_Cloud connection to get files in and out is now very easy
_Overall less weight in your bag
I like to tinker, what can I do, it's too late to change now... ▲ Collapse
| | | | Daryo
United Kingdom
Local time: 22:46
Serbian to English
+ ...
| Could be very real (if you're into masochism) | May 23 |
Trying to use a smartphone on its own for any kind of translation work would be like trying to paint a huge mural while seeing only a tiny fraction of the wall at any time, using only a third of the tools usually available. Good luck with that ...
Now, if you start connecting to the smartphone all sort of peripherals, the ease-of-use could improve dramatically when you stay in one place. An external keyboard / mouse / graphic tablet surely makes life easier. But then <... See more Trying to use a smartphone on its own for any kind of translation work would be like trying to paint a huge mural while seeing only a tiny fraction of the wall at any time, using only a third of the tools usually available. Good luck with that ...
Now, if you start connecting to the smartphone all sort of peripherals, the ease-of-use could improve dramatically when you stay in one place. An external keyboard / mouse / graphic tablet surely makes life easier. But then walking around with your smartphone AND some additional input device has also a less convenient aspect. Also, try walking around with your smartphone connected do a decent sized monitor...
As far I can remember with the DEX software it's the smartphone itself that becomes an attachment to the laptop /desktop PC, so with DEX you work in fact on your PC, using PC's keyboard / mouse / display (motherboard etc) ... while the smartphone becomes just an external device. Hardly what you could call 'using your smartphone' sensu stricto.
Short version: with what's available as of now, your scenario is not realistic. ▲ Collapse
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If you are on a Mac, you can't use the usual keyboard shortcut, Option+Left/Right to move one word to the left/right. This shortcut, along with Cmd+Left/Right is reserved to inserting the top TM match (or something like that).
Also, when you insert a tag at the start of a segment, the cursor does not move to the right of the tag. So, when you start typing, the text appears before the tag.
Moreover, the trouble of having to select among 4-5 reasons for "closing" a segmen... See more If you are on a Mac, you can't use the usual keyboard shortcut, Option+Left/Right to move one word to the left/right. This shortcut, along with Cmd+Left/Right is reserved to inserting the top TM match (or something like that).
Also, when you insert a tag at the start of a segment, the cursor does not move to the right of the tag. So, when you start typing, the text appears before the tag.
Moreover, the trouble of having to select among 4-5 reasons for "closing" a segment if you want to move to a different one before confirming the current one is too much of a hassle, and the keyboard shortcuts quite cumbersome.
The above, combined with the poor selection of file filters (no bi-/multi-lingual Excel files, which are a must for app and game localisation, no Trados package support etc.) make the tool quite lacking, in my opinion.
The fact that you can use it on a smartphone is not really useful, is it? If you are on vacation, do you carry with you a computer monitor and a full-sized keyboard, along with an assortment of cables? Who does that?
My point here is that I need WFA to let me use it productively and efficiently on my MacBook and on my Linux laptop, to which I'm slowly transitioning. That's what I would expect from the self-proclaimed "#1 Multi-Platform CAT tool". If they do that, then they can focus on extreme use-cases, like using it on a smartphone.
[Edited at 2025-05-23 15:23 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Philippe Locquet
Portugal
Local time: 22:46
Member (2013)
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | TV / monitor = OUT of the equation | May 23 |
Daryo wrote:
decent sized monitor...
Interesting points.
But I'd consider that pretty much everywhere you go, you will have a plugable screen: Hotel, AirBnB, friend's etc. And you usually get access to the HDMI port easily. Hence you see everything full-size, same as at home.
If you watch the video I made, the screen capture is on a full-size screen, so everything is dimensioned adequately to work with the usuals (TM, MT, Glo, QA etc.).
Besides, I weighed it and THE LOT (keyboard (with batteries in) + dongle + HDMI cable) comes in at 532g total. (I'm not counting the USB-C cable that you are already carrying).
So, although clunky, if weight and space is a worry for you, that is a conceivable option. And it's cheap!
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Philippe Locquet
Portugal
Local time: 22:46
Member (2013)
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Most of your comments are off-topic, but since they touch some common misconceptions, I'll answer some of it, it may be useful to someone else.
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
If you are on a Mac, you can't use the usual keyboard shortcut, Option+Left/Right to move one word to the left/right. This shortcut, along with Cmd+Left/Right is reserved to inserting the top TM match (or something like that).
No. Many Wordfast Pro users use Command Down Arrow all day long without any issues. Sames goes for Wordfast Anywhere. If you OS is setup in a conflicting way, you can change the shortcut in Wordfast Anywhere in a few clicks.
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
Also, when you insert a tag at the start of a segment, the cursor does not move to the right of the tag. So, when you start typing, the text appears before the tag.
True. First time I hear it's a problem for someone. The developers are not against feedback, so if people are asking for this, I don't think they would refuse to add a setting. Plus, this is probably desirable for right - to - left target languages.
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
Moreover, the trouble of having to select among 4-5 reasons for "closing" a segment if you want to move to a different one before confirming the current one is too much of a hassle, and the keyboard shortcuts quite cumbersome.
Alt/Command + Down commits, saves and marks your segment as translated. Then as with any other tools, you can set a different state for the segment like provisional, or delete it etc.
Regarding the warnings, in the QA setup you can choose what will trigger a warning. Tag issues will always trigger a warning, because if one is missing, we all know how it ends up...
On top of that, you can also setup the length warnings are displayed. And you can choose to ignore them too.
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
The above, combined with the poor selection of file filters (no bi-/multi-lingual Excel files, which are a must for app and game localisation, no Trados package support etc.) make the tool quite lacking, in my opinion.
Not every tool has a flexible Excel filter, I know this is specific to game localization. But, these filters are not perfect and don't guarantee your columns will work perfectly every time. All CAT tools have more or less the same filters, then that kind of features are extras.
Regarding Trados Packages, I doubt this is a problem anymore, since many agencies are using Trados online packages. And as we know these are just zip files.
sdlxliff; mqxliff etc. are known to work well for translation in WFA. So, you can translate a Trados file.
And you can even use the TMS to run a full agency...
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
The fact that you can use it on a smartphone is not really useful, is it? If you are on vacation, do you carry with you a computer monitor and a full-sized keyboard, along with an assortment of cables? Who does that?
That bit is on topic. Like I mention above, the TV/Monitor, you'll find it anywhere you go. True, it is clunky, but it was a fun experiment for me. And, smartphone manufacturers are pushing towards that kind of use, so, not completely bonkers after all. We already live in world full of dongles (can't plug a 3.5 mm jack etc.).
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
My point here is that I need WFA to let me use it productively and efficiently on my MacBook and on my Linux laptop, to which I'm slowly transitioning. That's what I would expect from the self-proclaimed "#1 Multi-Platform CAT tool". If they do that, then they can focus on extreme use-cases, like using it on a smartphone.
[Edited at 2025-05-23 15:23 GMT]
That's already here. You can even use it on two monitors at the same time. Ai features are amazing to say the least. You can run a translation with it. It is cross-platform. I've use it on Linux too, and no issues for me. So, if you learn to use the correctly, I think many transition issues once overcome will be forgotten quickly.
Let's not forget it doesn't need 16 GB of RAM like some other tools and it doesn't coerce you into high prices. All that value for that amount... TBH, it may explain why folks are adopting it.
Anyway, my two cents.
Be well, enjoy a nice weekend ahead!
| | | | Lingua 5B
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local time: 23:46
Member (2009)
English to Croatian
+ ...
Last thing I wanna do while traveling is carrying a keyboard around with me. Yes, there are small keyboards out there, but they are not really work-friendly. Otherwise, no keyboard, no fun, right? “Everywhere” is misleading. More accurate is: “Everywhere with plugs, keyboard and TV monitor”. No, there aren’t TVs everywhere you go, besides a TV screen would be really bad for my eyes while working.
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I did not say I had a problem with Cmd+Down. I said Opt+Left/Right, to move from one word to the previous/next. Please don't misrepresent what I have written.
As for the tag problem, this bug only happens when you insert a tag at the very start of a segment. If you insert tags later on, the cursor moves to the right of those tags. So, this is clearly not a matter of language direction. It is inconsistent behaviour, hence a bug.
Now, the warning when exiting a segment ha... See more I did not say I had a problem with Cmd+Down. I said Opt+Left/Right, to move from one word to the previous/next. Please don't misrepresent what I have written.
As for the tag problem, this bug only happens when you insert a tag at the very start of a segment. If you insert tags later on, the cursor moves to the right of those tags. So, this is clearly not a matter of language direction. It is inconsistent behaviour, hence a bug.
Now, the warning when exiting a segment has nothing to do with QA. When you have typed something in a segment and try to move to some other segment before confirming the current one, a warning pops up about unsaved changes and asks you what you want to do. Well, I just want to move to a different segment and leave this one as unconfirmed/provisional. Why do I need to decide at this point if I want to keep what I've typed or discard it or confirm the segment or mark it as provisional? This kerfuffle is an unnecessary left-over from Wordfast Classic.
With regard to bilingual Excel file filter, I need to select one column as source text, one as target text, one as context/ID and one as comment. That's why it's not the same as hiding all columns other than the one with the source text, and then pasting the translated column back to the original spreadsheet.
In any case, if WFA works for you and my issues are non-issues, I guess all is well and the app is feature-complete. I wish Transperfect-Wordfast-GlobalLink all the best.
As for me, I'll keep using Omega T 6 and old versions of Trados Studio and memoQ. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Don't jump to conclusions | May 23 |
Philippe Locquet wrote:
So, if you learn to use the correctly, I think many transition issues once overcome will be forgotten quickly.
Wordfast was the first CAT tool I bought, back in 2008. I have read all manuals (Wordfast Classic, Pro, Anywhere) from start to end, very carefully. I have also read most of the wiki, and have tried to use Wordfast Pro and Anywhere a ton of times. I keep trying and trying every now and then, to see if there have been any improvements, but keep running into the same elementary, fundamental issues.
So, don't be too quick to dismiss my opinion. Thank you.
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| Bought the T-shirt | May 23 |
Yes, I've tried a mobile setup like that before, with some apps that allow installing and running a Linux desktop on Android even without root plus the mobile browser. It even included a mouse!
Used browser based Matecat and Polyglot, and worked on a few tests/personal projects and some real-life assignments, during a deliberate test, while at home, once during travel, and once in a pinch when my laptop had a power issue.
Found the Bluetooth collapsible keyboard a PITA,... See more Yes, I've tried a mobile setup like that before, with some apps that allow installing and running a Linux desktop on Android even without root plus the mobile browser. It even included a mouse!
Used browser based Matecat and Polyglot, and worked on a few tests/personal projects and some real-life assignments, during a deliberate test, while at home, once during travel, and once in a pinch when my laptop had a power issue.
Found the Bluetooth collapsible keyboard a PITA, my phone did not allow HDMI (for a possible connection to a screen or tv), and generally just a slower and more uncomfortable experience, not really sustainable.
But yeah, as a proof of concept, it works.
[Edited at 2025-05-23 23:20 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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When I travel, I don't work.
When I work, I don't travel.
Simple, no? 
| | | | Philippe Locquet
Portugal
Local time: 22:46
Member (2013)
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
If you are on a Mac, you can't use the usual keyboard shortcut, Option+Left/Right to move one word to the left/right. This shortcut, along with Cmd+Left/Right is reserved to inserting the top TM match (or something like that).
I’m deeply sorry if I misread the shortcut. The answer is completely the same though: changing the shortcut for moving between placeable in Wordfast Anywhere, as it is likely the conflict source.
Off-course, ther was no way to know your system configuration from your comments, but the most common fix is what I suggested above.
If any user reading this is having the same problem, this is the method to diagnose this:
_Check your keyboard layout (which physical keys are present)
_When possible, try with an external keyboard.
_Try using a different browser.
List of possible alternate shortcuts to try:
• Move between words: With an older Mac (Big Sur, MacBook, 2017): Netx word: Control + F. Previous word: Control + B
• Move between words: With a recent Mac (Sequoia, MacAir M1, 2021): Next word: Control + Option + F. Previous word: Control + Option + B
• Fn + Option + Delete - Move backward by word
• Fn + Option + Forward Delete (if available) - Move forward by word
• Some Macs use Fn + H/J/K/L for arrow key functions
• Option + B and Option + F
When contacting Wordfast support, be sure to send your Mac model + year, OS version and ideally a picture of your keyboard layout, this will speed up help from the support.
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Philippe Locquet wrote:
Epameinondas Soufleros wrote:
If you are on a Mac, you can't use the usual keyboard shortcut, Option+Left/Right to move one word to the left/right. This shortcut, along with Cmd+Left/Right is reserved to inserting the top TM match (or something like that).
I’m deeply sorry if I misread the shortcut. The answer is completely the same though: changing the shortcut for moving between placeable in Wordfast Anywhere, as it is likely the conflict source.
Philippe, this has nothing to do with the placeable shortcut. It's the shortcut for "Toggle Copy TU", whatever that means. It seems to go through translation results and insert them into the current segment.
As for all other shortcuts you list, they are not present in Seutp WFA > Shortcuts. The problem exists with Safari, Chromium-based browsers and Gecko-based browsers. It's a bug, not user error.
Let's be honest. Wordfast was never meant to be a multi-platform tool. It is a Windows-first tool, with macOS and Linux as an afterthought, because marketers decided this would be a nice differentiating factor, a nice selling point.
[Edited at 2025-05-26 11:03 GMT]
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Zea_Mays
Italy
Local time: 23:46
Member (2009)
English to German
+ ...
I can't see the advantages of using a smartphone if you can use a thin laptop instead... Perhaps during an emergency?
There are affordable portable monitors that can be used with smartphones too - I have one -, but as said, why would you go for such an unergonomic and unproductive setting?
| | | | | My work computer is very a compact one! | May 26 |
I do have other slightly older machines, two of them, but my main work computer is an Asus VivoBook 15 X1504ZA. 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD 15.6-inch screen, all in a stylish bugger that weighs only 1.61 kg, with 6 hours of battery life if I am to be conservative about it.
I think in 2025, when very portable yet fairly strong laptops are available, it's left to you techy boys of translation, which most of us aren't, to play with using your smartphone for work when you are travelling.
... See more I do have other slightly older machines, two of them, but my main work computer is an Asus VivoBook 15 X1504ZA. 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD 15.6-inch screen, all in a stylish bugger that weighs only 1.61 kg, with 6 hours of battery life if I am to be conservative about it.
I think in 2025, when very portable yet fairly strong laptops are available, it's left to you techy boys of translation, which most of us aren't, to play with using your smartphone for work when you are travelling.
As a middle-aged girly girl. I replace my work computer every 5 years for the best work practices, safety, and my own experience. Every time it's a more powerful, yet more compact and portable machine, and that's what most of us not particularly techy translators will do.
I also choose to have a laptop as my main machine. I became a freelancer because I couldn't find a fully remote job that made sense to me, and I wanted to be able to work from anywhere I pleased. So, whilst my laptop can be part of a bigger workstation at my home office, it also does extremely well anywhere else. I really am well used to a 15.6-inch screen.
We engage in cost-to-benefit assessments regarding everything under the sun, and hardly anything worthwhile is risk-free. So, whilst I have very cushy work bags/rucksacks/sleeves for my computer, not carrying with me a 350 GBP computer, I will be replacing in 5 years anyway, makes little sense to me. As the freedom to move around whilst not sacrificing my work experience or safety practices is well worth the risk. For the same reason I pay for a 50GB mobile plan when, if I'd be willing to rely on other people's Wi-Fis, I could do with less. But having my own internet on the go, as well as my main work computer, is freedom without sacrificing any of the best work and safety practices.
That's my take on it, anyway.
Edit: In Bosnia mobile Internet isn't unlimited and data plans are relatively pricey when compared to
UK/US/anywhere really prices.
[Edited at 2025-05-26 14:59 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Philippe Locquet
Portugal
Local time: 22:46
Member (2013)
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Jean Dimitriadis wrote:
Yes, I've tried a mobile setup like that before, with some apps that allow installing and running a Linux desktop on Android even without root plus the mobile browser. It even included a mouse!
Used browser based Matecat and Polyglot, and worked on a few tests/personal projects and some real-life assignments, during a deliberate test, while at home, once during travel, and once in a pinch when my laptop had a power issue.
Found the Bluetooth collapsible keyboard a PITA, my phone did not allow HDMI (for a possible connection to a screen or tv), and generally just a slower and more uncomfortable experience, not really sustainable.
But yeah, as a proof of concept, it works.
[Edited at 2025-05-23 23:20 GMT]
Hi Jean, thanks for your experience. That must have been stressful...
In my experience, many devices have the feature turned off on the hardware side, so you just can’t mirror the phone to a TV/Monitor plugged in via an HDMI dongle. So, it’s all about checking if the device is compatible with the process. Then, the dongle is cheap.
As an alternative, you can use devices similar to Chromecast. The issue is that you will just get the dimensions that are displayed on your smartphone. So, you have to apply changes in the settings etc… Not great.
Mirror-ready devices have a “desktop” mode. When activated, you get a different layout in your UI and in the best instances you get a taskbar at the bottom with your opened app icons. Some devices call that the “productivity” mode. (this link shows the preview of Android 16 desktop mode https://www.gsmarena.com/google_previews_android_16s_desktop_mode_-news-67899.php)
Next fiddle will be if the physical keyboard layout is recognized correctly or not etc.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more of these attempts in the future.
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