With travel currently out of the question, the company is eyeing teachers and first responders.

The company behind Pocketalk, a voice translator that easily fits in, well, your pocket, saw the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to rethink its target audience.

The company has found a strong use case among educators and first responders, says general manager Joe Miller. In the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, he adds, the translator devices were also useful for personnel aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was docked in Japan following an outbreak of the virus that eventually led to around 700 infections. When international travel resumes, he anticipates travelers will reach for the devices again.

During this year’s virtual CES, Pocketalk is highlighting updates to its flagship Pocketalk S device ($299), including automatic language detection, slow playback mode and the ability to practice pronunciation. The company is also showcasing its new, slightly larger Pocketalk Plus ($329). It also still sells its entry-level Pocketalk Classic model, which costs $129.

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