Google Translate 2.0 update brings handwriting recognition, iPhone 5 support

After a number of small updates over the last year or so, Google has finally released the next major version of its iOS Translate app. The update comes with iPhone 5 support, an interface redesign, and most notably, handwriting recognition.

Google's Translate app, which features voice support and spoken translations, is getting even more powerful with the new handwriting input. Google Translate 2.0 allows users to simply write words with their finger for the app to then translate. This feature is supported by 49 of the app's 70 supported languages, including some that aren't in Roman script.

About a week after releasing version 29 of its iOS Chrome app, which added data management and voice search features, Google redesigned the UI with a much more iOS 7 feel. Now that same aesthetic is being brought to Translate with the 2.0 update. On top of the obvious iOS 7 inspired UI design, the new update adds support for seven new languages including Bosnian, Cebuano, Hmong, Javanese, Khmer, Lao and Marathi.

Available now as a free download on the App Store, Google Translate 2.0 requires iOS 5.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.