Pocketalk

The Opportunity: Overcoming the Language Barrier in a Connected World

As international travel rebounds and global migration continues, language barriers are emerging as a critical challenge – not only for tourism but for healthcare, disaster relief, and crisis response. Studies show that language obstacles can waste hours of medical staff time each week and directly impact patient safety.

In emergencies, effective communication can mean the difference between life and death, yet displaced people often lack the ability to speak the local language. Whether it’s helping doctors communicate with patients, aiding refugees at border crossings, or enabling travelers to navigate foreign cities, the need for reliable, real-time translation has never been greater.

The Solution: A Passport to the World in Your Pocket

IoT innovator SourceNext created Pocketalk – a line of translation devices and software designed to tear down language barriers in real time. Using multiple cloud-based translation engines, Pocketalk automatically selects the best translation for each language pair, covering 82 languages with high accuracy.

The flagship Pocketalk S offers a touchscreen interface, text-to-translate camera, and intuitive one-button operation. Other models extend battery life, enlarge the display, or strip non-essential features for simpler use. Every Pocketalk device includes a complimentary two-year data plan, ensuring constant access to up-to-date translations without reliance on local Wi-Fi.

Pocketalk has proven invaluable in healthcare, donating hundreds of devices to hospitals during COVID-19 and over 1,000 units to the Ukrainian Embassy in Japan to assist displaced families.

“The pandemic helped us see just how valuable Pocketalk is in the healthcare space,” said Joe Miller, General Manager at Pocketalk. “It helps doctors, nurses, and patients connect, and that relationship building is crucial.”

Why Soracom: Agile, Scalable IoT Connectivity

To keep Pocketalk small, light, and powerful, SourceNext chose to run its translation logic in the cloud — requiring global, always-on connectivity. Soracom’s IoT platform provided the perfect match, delivering secure cellular connectivity, API-driven device management, and the flexibility to adapt to new markets quickly.

Each Pocketalk device includes a Soracom IoT SIM or embedded eSIM, managed via Soracom’s API and SIM Lifecycle Management tools. SIMs remain in standby until activated at retail, ensuring a “just works” experience out of the box while avoiding unnecessary charges.
Upon activation, Soracom Subscription Containers allow devices to download new SIM profiles, optimizing network costs in specific regions and expanding coverage as Soracom adds operator partners.

“We need a partner that can keep up with us,” said Noriyuki Matsuda, President of Pocketalk. “With the Soracom Team, we know our needs will be met quickly and efficiently.”

The Outcome: Connecting a Global Community

Pocketalk has shipped more than 500,000 units worldwide and is now the first handheld translation device to achieve both GDPR and HIPAA compliance. Its recognition as the top travel translation device by numerous outlets underscores its value to tourists, while its growing use in healthcare and humanitarian work demonstrates its life-changing potential.

The product line now includes the Pocketalk App, Pocketalk Subtitles for live video call translation, and Pocketalk Console for enterprise fleet management. With operations in Japan and the U.S., Pocketalk continues its mission to connect people everywhere through the power of conversation.

“Pocketalk exists to bring people together, shatter language barriers, and build deeper connections firsthand through conversation,” said Matsuda. “Our latest solutions are the next step in our journey to connect us all as a global community.”