Microsoft has introduced a new application called Group Transcribe that offers real-time transcriptions of in-person meetings and conversations. The app has been developed by Microsoft’s in-house incubator, Microsoft Garage. It is currently available on iOS for free. The application also differentiates itself from other transcribe apps like Otter.ai and Google’s Recorder by taking a collaborative approach. The app allows participants in a meeting to record on their own devices simultaneously. To begin, one will have to initiate the recording and invite others through Bluetooth or a link or a scannable QR code. Once other participants join, they’d see real-time transcription on their phone.

Microsoft recommends that participants should use their own phone “within arm’s reach” for the best quality experience. The FAQ section further reveals the app does not cap the number of participants but works best for “in-person meetings with up to four people.”Microsoft’s Group Transcribe app supports more than 80 languages including Hindi, German, Greek, Japanese, Russian, Swedish, Arabic and French among others. The app also offers real-time translation.