Google has updated the Google Translate app to version 2.5. With the update, Google has ushered in some big, and extremely useful, changes to the app. Instead of having to type in all of the text you want translated, you can now take a picture using the rear-facing camera and have the app translate selected text.

Simply select the camera icon, tap the screen to take a picture, and select the text you want translated and let Google's servers do the rest. The feature, according to AndroidCentral, takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it is easy enough to select small bits of text for translation.

The new feature requires you to be running a minimum of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), so my older Epic 4G, which I've neglected to update, wouldn't be able to run the app. This new feature could be extremely useful while traveling for translating train tickets, public transport signs or schedules, or restaurant menus. The options are endless.

You can grab the updated version of the app from the Google Play store.