Localization for your Mobile Apps

App marketplaces provide a new opportunity for software developers to sell products directly to the customer based on their location, needs, purchase history, and search terms. The potential is enormous just for your home market alone.
Language and location play a huge role in determining what products will show up for a specific customer.  If you want to take advantage of the millions of potential customers outside of the US, you should start by making your app not only searchable within international app stores (Apple alone has almost 40), but usable in the hands of a foreign customer.  It’s not just a translation issue; it’s a usability issue. Your app should look and feel like it was built for their market.

It^,s easier than you think

Advanced Language Translation Inc is a full-service localization company, handling more than just translation. Our professionals span the entire spectrum of development needs for mobile platforms.  We can manage every component of your app, including web content, images, audio/video, back-end databases, app marketplace copy, branding, and marketing.  When it’s all put together, we can have in-country users QC the working app to ensure a refined product.

What we can do for you

Up-front consultation

• Interface Planning and Design

Does your app use icons or images showing people, hand gestures, or holiday symbols? Can the interface of your application accommodate longer words and phrases? There is a lot to think about when designing an application that will be published in more than one language. We will assess your app specifications and development process to make sure your software is compatible with the target language and culture and ready for localization. In the process, we’ll determine if your application (i) has features or functions that may need to be modified to fit the cultural and business standards of your target markets; (ii) needs to be modified to support the writing system(s) and text standards of your target markets; and (iii) meets usability standards in your target markets.

• Language Selection

If you’re unsure of which potential markets to target, we can guide you through the process of selecting the best target languages to meet your objectives. Language selection may depend on ease of translation and integration, size of the potential market, function of the application, etc.

• Localization Process

We know the steps to take and the best practices to follow to ensure a high-quality localized end product, but the ideal localization method may not fit into your development plan or timing. We’ll be more than happy to work with your team and adapt our process to work with yours, while maintaining quality and thoroughness. Contact us, and let’s hammer out a plan.

Translation dirty work

We are not only experts at over 35 languages but masters of the technology needed to publish your product in any of them. Whether you want us to take control of your files and deliver a finished app or just handle the text, you can rest assured that we will work with your teams and process to get it done right. Here are some of the services we provide:

• Complete App Translation

Leave the localization work to the experts. All you need to do is provide us with your source files, and we’ll take care of the rest, delivering a translated, compiled app that has been thoroughly tested and validated. Everything in the process is secure and confidential.

• String Translation

Translating all text in the user interface (UI) of your app is the most essential step in the app localization process. To facilitate the translation process, Advanced Language is able to extract the translatable content from all source files received, generally through the use of automated processes. Our translators then translate the strings using the context of your app so nothing is lost in meaning. Careful attention is paid to string length and concatenation.

• Icon Adaptation

If your application contains images with embedded text or icons that may be inappropriate or unclear for the target user, our team of in-country linguists and desktop-publishing specialists will provide alternate or modified graphics for your translated app.

• Marketing

We will translate banner ads, web pages, e-mail blasts, press releases, and whatever your company uses to spread the word regarding your translated app and your company materials in general. Advanced Language’s experience in translating marketing pieces in all formats and subject areas ensures that your message will be communicated clearly and naturally in the target language. For instance, if your app is being translated into a language supported by the iPhone App Store (German, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, or Japanese), we recommend having us translate the app’s summary to promote international awareness and interest in your app.

Quality Assurance

In order to guarantee that all translations delivered are of the highest quality possible, we have quality assurance procedures in place at every phase: before, during, and after translation. Top-quality software localization is the product of a highly talented and experienced translation team combined with proven technological expertise and superior project management.

• Quality Check / Linguistic Testing

For projects involving complete app translation, the final step in our translation process is a quality check by an independent linguist/software tester to ensure that the translations within the app display correctly and that they are complete and accurate in context.

All mobile platforms supported

• Apple iOS (phones and tablets)
• Android OS (phones and tablets)
• Blackberry OS
• Maemo
• WebOS (phones and tablets)
• Windows Phone

The App translation process

Although every app is different and yours may be better suited for a custom process, this is the ideal course of action to get your app translated:

1. Request for quote
2. Analysis of source material
3. Quote
4. Quote approval by client
5. Preparation of source material / text extraction
6. Translation of strings & help system
7. Editing of translated strings & help system
8. Client review of translated material
9. Integration / creation of target language build
10. Linguistic testing of target language application
11. Remediation
12. Screen shots for help system/supporting documentation
13. Compilation of help system
14. Final QC and delivery

How to get started

We can offer the advice you need and even give you a price estimate based on a few bits of information. Don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with a localization expert and get answers to your questions or set up a meeting to discuss your goals. If you just want an idea on pricing, use our simple form to start the process.