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.”
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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.