Duolingo lets you improve your English during a ‘video call’ with a chatbot
Duolingo, the ed-tech platform focused on teaching languages, math and music, announced new features on Tuesday at its annual Duocon 2024 conference. The platform announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature with its Max subscription that lets users have conversations with an AI chatbot while simulating a video call. The company claims the feature will allow users to have realistic conversations and improve their language skills. Also announced at the event was a game-like feature called Adventures and an expansion of its music courses through a partnership with Loog.
Duolingo Unveils AI-Powered Features at Duocon 2024
At Duocon 2024, the platform unveiled several new features, including the AI-powered “Video Call with Lily” feature. This allows users to start a conversation with Lily, one of Duolingo’s prominent virtual characters, and have spontaneous, realistic conversations with the chatbot.
The company stated that the feature is intended to “simulate natural dialogue” and provide users with a “personalized, interactive practice environment.” The AI-powered video calling feature is not limited to a certain level of expertise in the language, and even users who are starting to learn a new language can have conversations.
The AI can adapt to the user’s skill level, allowing them to practice regardless of their ability, the company claims. The feature is currently available to Duolingo Max subscribers learning English, Spanish and French.
Duolingo Max was introduced by the company last year and the subscription tier offers AI features to help users learn more effectively. At launch, the subscription was available to users in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the US, and the UK. The company stressed that it would expand to more countries in the future. The Max subscription costs $29.99 (approximately Rs. 2,400) per month and $239.99 (approximately Rs. 19,960) for the annual family subscription.
Duolingo’s new Adventures feature
Photo Credit: Duolingo
In addition, a new feature called Adventures is also being introduced. The company describes it as a “game-like experience” and it lets users play through different storylines and interact with the characters to improve their language skills.
These storylines are placed in real-life scenarios, such as ordering food or getting your passport checked, to be more functional. This feature will be available on Android and iOS, but the company did not specify whether it will also be available on the web client.
Duolingo is also expanding its music course offerings with a partnership with wearable instrument manufacturer Loog. Through this partnership, the platform will offer users the ability to practice Duolingo Music lessons on a three-octave digital piano. Available for pre-order on the company’s website, the Duolingo x Loog Piano will retail for $249 (roughly Rs. 20,800).
