(Oh, wait a minute.)
One Redditor has thankfully recreated a functional version of the translator andthis clipshows the delightfully faithful tool.
Redditor u/Snicker-Snags tool supposedly translates Spanish, French, and Japanese into English.

So, its not the latest in Hearthian technology, although it looks exactly like the in-game tool.
This translation isnt actually handled on the equipment, u/Snicker-Snag explained through a comment.
Their phone then sends the translation back to the blue screen to be displayed.

The can of marshmallows in the video, however, is empty.
But Ill ignore that lore inaccuracy due to how obviously impressive the rig is.
Sounds almost like a missed merchandising opportunity for Mobius Digital and/or Annapurna Interactive.
One of my favourite things in Outer Wilds is the translator tool.
Youve got some fun, or educational, or confusing, or distressing bedtime reading.
Thats one small source of joy, found in an overall great game.
We dont do star ratings on RPS, but if we did Id give Outer Wilds a small galaxy.
Theexcellent Echoes Of The Eyeexpansion is also on sale.