Key Points
- Duolingo partners with Loog to launch a $249 e-piano to support its new music course.
- AI-powered video calls with “Lily” are now available to iOS Duolingo Max subscribers for real-time language practice.
- The platform emphasizes combining education with entertainment to make learning engaging.
- To enhance learning, Duolingo adds more game-like “Adventures” with virtual environments and characters.
Duolingo, widely recognized for its language-learning app, is making a bold leap into hardware by launching an electronic piano in collaboration with Loog, a company known for making musical instruments for kids. The e-piano, priced at $249, is designed to support Duolingo’s new music course and will be available on its website. This move marks Duolingo’s continued diversification into new learning areas.
In addition to the e-piano, Duolingo is rolling out AI-powered video calls to all iOS Duolingo Max subscribers. These video calls were previously beta-tested with select users and feature real-time, spontaneous conversations with the 2D character “Lily.” With her purple hair and quirky personality, Lily is powered by OpenAI’s technology, making her a fine-tuned version of ChatGPT with a Duolingo twist.
These conversations aren’t tied to a strict lesson plan; they allow language learners to practice real-time dialogue in English, French, or Spanish. Lily can remember prior conversations, so users won’t have to repeat information. The character’s basic visemes, or mouth shapes, attempt to sync with her speech, adding a touch of realism to the experience.
According to Zan Gilani, Duolingo’s product manager, the key focus is keeping conversations flowing rather than overcorrecting users. By not focusing on real-time corrections, Duolingo allows users to practice communication in a low-pressure environment, which Gilani believes is essential for language mastery.
Gilani emphasized the balance between entertainment and education, saying, “We have some experiences which are more game-like and entertaining, and some more directly learning-oriented. But we believe both can coexist without contradicting each other.”
Beyond these features, Duolingo is expanding its game-like elements by introducing new “Adventures.” These virtual environments feature existing Duolingo characters, such as Oscar and Lily, who help users practice real-world scenarios like ordering coffee at a cafe or navigating passport control while traveling. The Adventures add another interaction layer to Duolingo’s app, giving users more engaging learning methods.
