Technology is connecting people like never before, but the language barrier remains one very analogue problem that's not so easily bridged by digital tech. That doesn't mean that big companies aren't trying though, and Microsoft-owned Skype just launched a preview of its Skype Translator program on Monday.

Skype, and Microsoft Research, has been working on this translator for a long time but has kept it close to the chest until now -- and that makes sense when you understand just what it is.

Skype Translator aims to translate spoken English and Spanish in real time as its spoken.

While Google Translate uses programmed text-to-speech, speech-to-text and very intelligent pre-programmed language engines to facilitate communication as best as possible, it's still an awkward way to interact with someone. Both sides of the conversation are mediated by a computer voice speaking the translated input from each side after translating to text and back again -- and the total effect is two people alternately talking, and then listening, to a smartphone that they're passing back and forth.

Skype Translator looks to eliminate that awkward transition phase by automatically translating voice calls between the two languages as the two people speak -- or as close to real time as possible at the moment.

The inevitable computer voice output is still there, but judging from the preview video Microsoft released, it's as close to a Babel Fish as any company has created so far.

And now the preview program for Skype Translator is open for sign-up. You'll have to be invited by Microsoft, and unfortunately you'll have to be using Windows 8.1 to preview the program.

Skype Translate is launching only for English and Spanish translation right now, as the pilot program for the app was run between Peterson School in Mexico City and Stafford Elementary School in Tacoma, Washington, according to Skype's blog post. 

A text-based translator will be available for invited Skype users for more than 40 languages. The company blog said Skype Translator is based on machine learning, so the more people use the technology, the more accurate the translations will get. According to TheVerge, English to German translation might be the next speech-based Skype Translate release, since Microsoft previously demonstrated the translation engine in those languages at a conference earlier this year.

To register for Skype Translate and request an invite to preview this incredible app, check out the site here.