Seagull

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Seagull is a cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux) real-time translation overlay software that captures system audio from any application and instantly generates translated subtitles. It operates as a transparent desktop overlay, functioning within the technical category of AI-powered accessibility and productivity tools.
2. Core Value Proposition: Seagull eliminates language barriers by providing instantaneous, system-level audio translation without requiring browser extensions or app integrations. Its primary value lies in real-time multilingual accessibility for digital content, enabling users to understand foreign-language media, meetings, and communications instantly.

Main Features

1. Universal Audio Capture: Seagull uses low-level system audio APIs to intercept audio from any source (e.g., Zoom, YouTube, games, local media players) without plugins. It processes audio via speech-to-text algorithms (likely leveraging ASR technology) before translation, ensuring compatibility with all desktop applications.
2. 60+ Language Translation: Supports real-time translation across 60+ languages (e.g., Korean→English, Japanese→English, Swahili→Tagalog) using neural machine translation (NMT) engines. Auto-detect mode identifies source languages dynamically, reducing manual configuration.
3. Always-on-Top Overlay: Generates a draggable, transparent subtitle window that floats above all applications. This overlay uses hardware-accelerated rendering for minimal performance impact and customizable positioning.
4. Adaptive Playback (Coming Soon): For Voice Add-on users, text-to-speech (TTS) delivers translated audio with variable speed adjustment. The system dynamically accelerates TTS to match speech pace and recovers from delays instantly, maintaining synchronization.
5. Zero-Configuration Workflow: Requires no setup wizards or permissions beyond microphone/system audio access. Users launch the app, select languages (or use auto-detect), and play content—translations appear in <500ms latency based on tested demos.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Inaccessible foreign-language content (e.g., untranslated podcasts, videos, or live meetings) creates exclusion and inefficiency. Seagull solves this by democratizing real-time comprehension without manual subtitling or third-party integrations.
2. Target Audience:
   • Remote Teams: Multilingual teams using Zoom/Teams for standups.
   • Language Learners: Students consuming foreign media for immersion.
   • Global Professionals: Consultants attending international webinars or lectures.
   • Gamers: Cross-region players coordinating via voice chat.
3. Use Cases:
   • Translating Japanese cooking tutorials on YouTube during playback.
   • Adding subtitles to Korean podcasts in Spotify without native support.
   • Enabling real-time English translations of Spanish lectures in Zoom.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike browser-based tools (e.g., Google Translate extensions), Seagull works at the OS audio level, supporting non-browser apps (e.g., games, desktop players). Competitors like Otter.ai lack real-time translation overlays, while enterprise tools (e.g., Wordly) require complex setups.
2. Key Innovation: System-wide audio interception combined with sub-500ms translation latency enables seamless "magic captions." The upcoming Voice Add-on’s adaptive TTS pacing uniquely handles speed mismatches in live scenarios, a gap in most consumer tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Seagull work with Zoom or Microsoft Teams?
   Yes, Seagull captures audio from any conferencing app (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) via system-level audio interception, providing real-time translated subtitles without integrations.
2. What languages does Seagull support for real-time translation?
   Seagull supports 60+ languages, including English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Swahili, and Tagalog, with auto-detect capabilities for seamless multilingual use.
3. Is Seagull’s Voice Add-on included in subscription plans?
   No, the Voice Add-on (TTS playback with adaptive speed) is a separate paid feature. Current plans include only real-time subtitles and translation.
4. How does Seagull handle privacy during audio translation?
   Audio processing occurs locally/on-device where possible; untranslated audio is not stored. Refer to Seagull’s privacy policy for encryption and data-handling specifics.
5. Can I use Seagull for translating live streaming or gaming?
   Absolutely. Seagull works with live streams (Twitch, YouTube) and game voice chats (e.g., Discord), overlaying translations in real time without alt-tabbing.