Duolingo Introduces AI-Powered Features and Music Learning Tools to Enhance Language Education

You can now chat and play games with Duolingo's AI characters to learn Spanish or French

You don't need friends in other countries to practice your language skills when you have AI Practicing with a native speaker has long been seen as the best way to learn a language, but Duolingo thinks its AI characters can fill in if you don't have a global contact list. The language learning app showcased two new AI features at its annual Duocon conference, Video Call and Adventures - both aiming to boost your language skills with AI. Video Call, as the name suggests, is a video phone call with an AI character who speaks the language you are trying to learn. The feature uses the widely used Duolingo character Lily, a somewhat dour but clever personality, who will chat with you using AI to understand and respond to what you say realistically. That includes what she says and the voice speaking the words, which mimics a human pretty well in tone and cadence, with pauses for 'thought' incorporated into the dialogue. It's not a one-size-fits-all conversation, either. Lily will adjust her response based on how far along you are in learning the language, gently correcting errors and encouraging you to keep trying. Currently, Lily only speaks English, Spanish, and French, though the company plans to add more soon. Additionally, the feature is also only available to Duolingo Max subscribers. You can do more than just have a conversation with Lily by turning to Duolingo's Adventures. The simulation game sets you up in different real-world scenarios where you need to communicate with Lily or fellow Duolingo mascot Oscar to complete tasks and solve problems at school, the store, and elsewhere, exploring as you go. The idea is to learn how to speak in useful contexts and build up vocabulary as you go. The AI characters correct any mistakes by adjusting what they say to help you better understand, similar to how a (very patient) real person would try to help a visitor who doesn't speak the language. The Adventures feature is only available for English speakers learning French and Spanish speakers learning English. However, Adventures isn't limited to Max subscribers and will be accessible on the Duolingo app. Video Call and Adventures continue Duolingo's investment in AI for its app. Last year, the company partnered with OpenAI to offer Max subscribers detailed explanations on wrong quiz answers using the Explain My Answer feature and the chance to practice conversations with generative AI chatbots in the Roleplay feature. As AI translation and educational tools continue to spread, these may be the key for Duolingo to stay relevant and popular, especially on a global scale where AI tools may not be as accessible. Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, said "Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We believe the best way to do that is by continuously pushing the boundaries of technology." He then continued, "With new AI-powered features like Video Call and Adventures, we're creating new, immersive ways to practice languages and build confidence."

Duolingo Brings Adventure and AI to Your Language Learning Journey

Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents Duolingo, a CNET Editors' Choice Award pick, announced at Tuesday's virtual Duocon conference that it's introducing two new features to its language learning app today: Adventures and AI video calls. "Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available," Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, said in a news release. "These innovations are just the beginning of how we're leveraging technology to serve our global community of learners better." Here's what you need to know about these two new Duolingo features. Duolingo is expanding its lessons with a new gamelike element called Adventures. In Adventures, you can explore settings and storylines within the Duolingo universe that follow Duolingo characters like Lily and Oscar. Adventures will also have you apply your language lessons to real-world situations, like ordering at a cafe. There is only one Adventure available per course unit, and they are only available to English speakers learning French, and Spanish speakers learning English. Adventures are available on iOS and Android devices. This new language learning feature will have you practicing your conversational skills in a realistic setting. "Video Call is designed to simulate natural dialogue and provides a personalized, interactive practice environment," Duolingo wrote in a new release. In these video calls, you'll be talking to the character Lily in real-time, so you'll have to put everything you've learned in your language lessons into practice. But Duolingo wrote that conversing in this low-pressure environment will hopefully build people's confidence enough to converse in real-world situations. However, this feature is only available to iOS subscribers of Duolingo Max, which costs $30 a month or $168 a year. AI video calling is also only available to those subscribers of any language who are learning English, Spanish or French. Duolingo said in an email that this feature will also come to Portuguese, Italian and German lessons soon. Duolingo also announced a new partnership with the portable instrument manufacturer Loog to create a three-octave electric piano. This piano is designed for the Duolingo Music course and can be preordered now for $250 from the Duolingo Store.

Duolingo launches AI-powered Adventures mini-games and Video Call feature

GamesBeat Next is connecting the next generation of video game leaders. And you can join us, coming up October 28th and 29th in San Francisco! Take advantage of our buy one, get one free pass offer. Sale ends this Friday, August 16th. Join us by registering here. Duolingo, the world's leading mobile learning platform, today announced new features including Adventures mini-games and Video Call to help with language learning. Announced at its annual Duocon 2024 conference, these new features -- Video Call and Adventures -- represent a push by Duolingo to leverage cutting-edge AI to enhance the learning experience for millions of users worldwide. The company also emphasizes its investment in music education by announcing its partnership with Loog, a leading portable instrument manufacturer, and hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Grammy winner Jon Batiste. "Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We believe the best way to do that is by continuously pushing the boundaries of technology," says Luis von Ahn, CEO of Duolingo, in a statement. "With new AI-powered features like Video Call and Adventures, we're creating new, immersive ways to practice languages and build confidence. These innovations are just the beginning of how we're leveraging technology to serve our global community of learners better." AI-powered conversations: Video Call with Lily Duolingo's new Video Call feature represents a leap forward in language practice for learners, the company said. This AI-powered tool allows Duolingo Max subscribers to engage in spontaneous, realistic conversations with Lily, one of Duolingo's most popular characters. The technology behind Video Call is designed to simulate natural dialogue and provides a personalized, interactive practice environment. Even beginner learners can converse in a low-pressure environment because Video Call is designed to adapt to their skill level, Duolingo said. By offering learners the opportunity to converse in real-time, Video Call builds the confidence needed to communicate effectively in real-world situations. Video Call is available for Duolingo Max subscribers learning English, Spanish, and French. Adventures: Explore and learn in the Duolingo World Duolingo will also unveil Adventures, an innovative exploration game-like experience that immerses learners in the vibrant world of Duolingo. For the first time, users can explore dynamic settings and storylines, interacting with beloved characters like Oscar and Lily in a fully realized Duolingo universe. Adventures allows learners to apply their language skills to realistic scenarios, from getting their passport checked to ordering coffee, blending fun with functional learning. Adventures will be available across Android and iOS devices. Back in March, Duolingo's Bob Meese told me that game-like projects were under way at Duolingo, in recognition of how games can accelerate the learning process. Expanding music: popular songs, compact piano partnership, and an A-list interview To expand its music course capabilities, Duolingo is announcing a partnership with Loog, a portable instrument manufacturer, to create a compact and portable electric piano designed for the Duolingo Music course. This partnership allows learners to practice Duolingo Music lessons on a three-octave electric piano. The Duolingo x Loog Piano will be available for pre-order at store.duolingo.com for $250. Plus, thanks to Duolingo's partnership with Sony Music, learners can now play along to popular songs from their favorite artists. In addition to these key product innovations, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste joined Duocon 2024 to share his unique perspective on the intersection of music, language, and culture, and how these elements shape Duolingo's global community.

The Duolingo app just got two big updates. Here's what's new | Digital Trends

Duolingo, the popular language learning app, has always offered fun and interactive ways to learn new languages. It has now added two new features that make it even more feature-packed. As part of its latest update, the app now includes Adventures and Video Calls. Adventures is a game-like feature that allows you to explore different settings and storylines within the Duolingo universe. It features two characters, Lily and Oscar. Adventures is designed to help you improve your language skills by putting you in simulated real-world situations. Recommended Videos Currently, one adventure is available for each course unit. It is only accessible for English speakers learning French and Spanish speakers learning English. However, more languages will be added in the upcoming weeks and months. Duolingo's new video call feature uses artificial intelligence to help you practice your conversational skills in a realistic setting. As the title suggests, the feature lets you make a video call -- in this case, to the Duolingo character Lily. You can converse just like you would with a real person, but in an environment without pressure. Duolingo explains that "Video Call is designed to simulate natural dialogue and provides a personalized, interactive practice environment." Some Duolingo users tell us the video call option is already showing up within the app, although there isn't a sign of Adventures yet. Finally, Duolingo has announced a new partnership with Loog, a manufacturer of portable instruments. As a result of this collaboration, a new three-octave electric piano compatible with the Duolingo Music course has been introduced. The device is priced at $249 and is currently available for preorder, with shipping scheduled to begin in November.

Duolingo Launches $249 E-Piano, Updates App With AI Chats, New Worlds

Duolingo, primarily known for its language-learning app, is expanding into the hardware space with an electronic piano for those taking its music course. The company is also rolling out OpenAI-powered video calls to all iOS Duolingo Max subscribers and is adding more game-like "adventures" with new virtual settings to explore. Duolingo is launching its e-piano with Loog, a musical instrument manufacturer that produces keyboards and guitars for kids. It will cost $249 and can be purchased on Duolingo's website. The learning company is also now launching its Video Calls feature, which was beta-tested this year with some paying Duolingo Max users. Video Calls consist of a chat with the 2D Duolingo character "Lily," who has purple hair and a big personality. These conversations can be about just about anything and don't follow any strict lesson plan. Instead, they're a chance for language learners to have spontaneous conversations in real-time to improve their language production and listening skills. Lily is essentially a fine-tuned version of ChatGPT. The chats use OpenAI's tech to power these conversations in English, French, or Spanish. Lily can remember what you've said before, as well, so you shouldn't have to repeat yourself too much when you reunite. She should be able to remember what you've said for the past few sessions, according to Zan Gilani, product manager at Duolingo. "We tried a bunch of things in the past," Gilani tells PCMag in an interview. "With large language models, we can finally give you an experience where you can simulate a real-world conversation and actually get better because it's ultimately a muscle that you have to train." While she's just a 2D, AI-powered character, Lily does show some basic visemes -- or mouth shapes -- to roughly match the words she's saying at any given time. It won't feel quite like a conversation with a real human, but it's certainly better than nothing for those looking for more real-time practice. Because Duolingo has modified its own GPT, it may feel a bit different than just talking on your own with OpenAI's chatbot. "If she can understand what you are trying to say, she is going to roll with the punches," Gilani says of AI-powered Lily. "If we start to correct your mistakes too much in real-time, that part of your brain that is correcting yourself -- that monitoring part -- starts to get really active. And it takes away from just the active communication." Duolingo's also adding more content in case you've gotten bored with its gamified, incremental learning model where you can earn XP and climb its leaderboard. Its "Adventures" are basically top-down, 2D room-like environments with interactive characters. These new settings include existing Duolingo characters, like Oscar and Lily, who will help train you up for real-world situations like ordering coffee at a cafe or getting your passport checked while traveling. "We have some experiences which are a bit more game-like and entertaining in that way, and some which are more directly learning-oriented. But overall, we always think there is a way to do both," Gilani says. "And they don't have to contradict each other."

Duolingo Introduces AI-Powered Innovations at Duocon 2024 By Investing.com

Free virtual event features Grammy-winning artist and cultural icon Jon Batiste PITTSBURGH, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duolingo (NASDAQ:DUOL), the world's leading mobile learning platform, today announces significant product innovations at its annual conference, Duocon 2024. These new features"Video Call and Adventures"demonstrate Duolingo's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI to enhance the learning experience for millions of users worldwide. The company also emphasizes its investment in music education by announcing its partnership with Loog, leading musical instruments brand for beginners, and hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Grammy winner Jon Batiste. Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We believe the best way to do that is by continuously pushing the boundaries of technology, says Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo. With new AI-powered features like Video Call and Adventures, we're creating new, immersive ways to practice languages and build confidence. These innovations are just the beginning of how we're leveraging technology to serve our global community of learners better. AI-Powered Conversations: Video Call with Lily Duolingo's new Video Call feature represents a leap forward in language practice for learners. This AI-powered tool allows Duolingo Max subscribers to engage in spontaneous, realistic conversations with Lily, one of Duolingo's most popular characters. The technology behind Video Call is designed to simulate natural dialogue and provides a personalized, interactive practice environment. Even beginner learners can converse in a low-pressure environment because Video Call is designed to adapt to their skill level. By offering learners the opportunity to converse in real-time, Video Call builds the confidence needed to communicate effectively in real-world situations. Video Call is available for Duolingo Max subscribers learning English, Spanish, and French. Adventures: Explore and learn in the Duolingo World Duolingo will also unveil Adventures, an innovative exploration game-like experience that immerses learners in the vibrant world of Duolingo. For the first time, users can explore dynamic settings and storylines, interacting with beloved characters like Oscar and Lily in a fully realized Duolingo universe. Adventures allows learners to apply their language skills to realistic scenarios, from getting their passport checked to ordering coffee, blending fun with functional learning. Adventures will be available across Android and iOS devices. Expanding Music: Popular songs, compact piano partnership, and an A-list interview To expand its Music course capabilities, Duolingo is announcing a partnership with Loog, a leading portable instrument manufacturer, to create a compact and portable digital piano designed for the Duolingo Music course. This partnership allows learners to practice Duolingo Music lessons on a three-octave digital piano. The Duolingo x Loog Piano will be available for pre-order at store.duolingo.com for $249. Plus, thanks to Duolingo's partnership with Sony (NYSE:SONY) Music, learners can now play along to popular songs from their favorite artists! In addition to these key product innovations, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste will join us at Duocon 2024 to share his unique perspective on the intersection of music, language, and culture, and how these elements shape our global community. For more information on the talks and product announcements, tune in at duolingo.com/duocon. About Duolingo Duolingo is the leading mobile learning platform globally. Its flagship app has organically become the world's most popular way to learn languages and the top-grossing app in the Education category on both Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Play and the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) App Store. With technology at the core of everything it does, Duolingo has consistently invested to provide learners with a fun, engaging, and effective learning experience while remaining committed to its mission to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. Contact Details: Monica Earle | press@duolingo.com Videos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/649d1b89-3b1d-44d1-9cc1-33f9e06b249f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1aa424f-707f-425a-9f2d-1c4828e169a6

Duolingo Introduces AI-Powered Innovations at Duocon 2024 - Duolingo (NASDAQ:DUOL)

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duolingo DUOL, the world's leading mobile learning platform, today announces significant product innovations at its annual conference, Duocon 2024. These new features -- Video Call and Adventures -- demonstrate Duolingo's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI to enhance the learning experience for millions of users worldwide. The company also emphasizes its investment in music education by announcing its partnership with Loog, leading musical instruments brand for beginners, and hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Grammy winner Jon Batiste. "Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We believe the best way to do that is by continuously pushing the boundaries of technology," says Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo. "With new AI-powered features like Video Call and Adventures, we're creating new, immersive ways to practice languages and build confidence. These innovations are just the beginning of how we're leveraging technology to serve our global community of learners better." AI-Powered Conversations: Video Call with Lily Duolingo's new Video Call feature represents a leap forward in language practice for learners. This AI-powered tool allows Duolingo Max subscribers to engage in spontaneous, realistic conversations with Lily, one of Duolingo's most popular characters. The technology behind Video Call is designed to simulate natural dialogue and provides a personalized, interactive practice environment. Even beginner learners can converse in a low-pressure environment because Video Call is designed to adapt to their skill level. By offering learners the opportunity to converse in real-time, Video Call builds the confidence needed to communicate effectively in real-world situations. Video Call is available for Duolingo Max subscribers learning English, Spanish, and French. Adventures: Explore and learn in the Duolingo World Duolingo will also unveil Adventures, an innovative exploration game-like experience that immerses learners in the vibrant world of Duolingo. For the first time, users can explore dynamic settings and storylines, interacting with beloved characters like Oscar and Lily in a fully realized Duolingo universe. Adventures allows learners to apply their language skills to realistic scenarios, from getting their passport checked to ordering coffee, blending fun with functional learning. Adventures will be available across Android and iOS devices. Expanding Music: Popular songs, compact piano partnership, and an A-list interview To expand its Music course capabilities, Duolingo is announcing a partnership with Loog, a leading portable instrument manufacturer, to create a compact and portable digital piano designed for the Duolingo Music course. This partnership allows learners to practice Duolingo Music lessons on a three-octave digital piano. The Duolingo x Loog Piano will be available for pre-order at store.duolingo.com for $249. Plus, thanks to Duolingo's partnership with Sony Music, learners can now play along to popular songs from their favorite artists! In addition to these key product innovations, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste will join us at Duocon 2024 to share his unique perspective on the intersection of music, language, and culture, and how these elements shape our global community. For more information on the talks and product announcements, tune in at duolingo.com/duocon. About Duolingo Duolingo is the leading mobile learning platform globally. Its flagship app has organically become the world's most popular way to learn languages and the top-grossing app in the Education category on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. With technology at the core of everything it does, Duolingo has consistently invested to provide learners with a fun, engaging, and effective learning experience while remaining committed to its mission to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. Contact Details: Monica Earle | press@duolingo.com Videos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/649d1b89-3b1d-44d1-9cc1-33f9e06b249f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1aa424f-707f-425a-9f2d-1c4828e169a6 Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Duolingo Introduces AI-Powered Innovations at Duocon 2024

Free virtual event features Grammy-winning artist and cultural icon Jon Batiste PITTSBURGH, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duolingo (NASDAQ:DUOL), the world's leading mobile learning platform, today announces significant product innovations at its annual conference, Duocon 2024. These new features -- Video Call and Adventures -- demonstrate Duolingo's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI to enhance the learning experience for millions of users worldwide. The company also emphasizes its investment in music education by announcing its partnership with Loog, leading musical instruments brand for beginners, and hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Grammy winner Jon Batiste. "Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We believe the best way to do that is by continuously pushing the boundaries of technology," says Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo. "With new AI-powered features like Video Call and Adventures, we're creating new, immersive ways to practice languages and build confidence. These innovations are just the beginning of how we're leveraging technology to serve our global community of learners better." AI-Powered Conversations: Video Call with Lily Duolingo's new Video Call feature represents a leap forward in language practice for learners. This AI-powered tool allows Duolingo Max subscribers to engage in spontaneous, realistic conversations with Lily, one of Duolingo's most popular characters. The technology behind Video Call is designed to simulate natural dialogue and provides a personalized, interactive practice environment. Even beginner learners can converse in a low-pressure environment because Video Call is designed to adapt to their skill level. By offering learners the opportunity to converse in real-time, Video Call builds the confidence needed to communicate effectively in real-world situations. Video Call is available for Duolingo Max subscribers learning English, Spanish, and French. Adventures: Explore and learn in the Duolingo World Duolingo will also unveil Adventures, an innovative exploration game-like experience that immerses learners in the vibrant world of Duolingo. For the first time, users can explore dynamic settings and storylines, interacting with beloved characters like Oscar and Lily in a fully realized Duolingo universe. Adventures allows learners to apply their language skills to realistic scenarios, from getting their passport checked to ordering coffee, blending fun with functional learning. Adventures will be available across Android and iOS devices. Expanding Music: Popular songs, compact piano partnership, and an A-list interview To expand its Music course capabilities, Duolingo is announcing a partnership with Loog, a leading portable instrument manufacturer, to create a compact and portable digital piano designed for the Duolingo Music course. This partnership allows learners to practice Duolingo Music lessons on a three-octave digital piano. The Duolingo x Loog Piano will be available for pre-order at store.duolingo.com for $249. Plus, thanks to Duolingo's partnership with Sony Music, learners can now play along to popular songs from their favorite artists! In addition to these key product innovations, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste will join us at Duocon 2024 to share his unique perspective on the intersection of music, language, and culture, and how these elements shape our global community. For more information on the talks and product announcements, tune in at duolingo.com/duocon. About Duolingo Duolingo is the leading mobile learning platform globally. Its flagship app has organically become the world's most popular way to learn languages and the top-grossing app in the Education category on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. With technology at the core of everything it does, Duolingo has consistently invested to provide learners with a fun, engaging, and effective learning experience while remaining committed to its mission to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. Contact Details: Monica Earle | press@duolingo.com Videos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/649d1b89-3b1d-44d1-9cc1-33f9e06b249f