A Beijing information service company began offering translation and tour guide services to foreign travelers in the city via a mobile phone that can "listen, think and speak," Xinhua news agency said today.

"The intelligent mobile phone is based on a voice-recognition system," said Chen Xinxiang, board chairman of the company, during a promotional event yesterday in Beijing.

"It provides Chinese translations and multi-language information services," said Chen. "This service will help foreigners avoid communication embarrassments while sight-seeing, shopping, dining or renting a car during their stay here."

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