Duolingo released an electronic piano and launched video calls with a ChatGPT-based bot

Listeners of the music course on the language learning platform Duolingo will be able to expand their practice, and for others, new adventures and video chats with artificial intelligence-based characters created using OpenAI technologies will now be available.

Image source: Duolingo

Duolingo, best known for its language learning app, has unveiled an electronic piano aimed at those taking its music course. The device is produced by musical instrument manufacturer Loog and is available for $249 on the Duolingo website.

The platform has also launched a video calling feature for all paid Duolingo Max users on iOS, which was previously available in beta testing. The video calls feature a chat with the 2D character “Lily”, who has purple hair and a vibrant personality. The user can have conversations on any topic – the dialogue is not tied to any strict lesson plan. It is a way to have spontaneous conversations in real time in the target language to improve your speaking and listening skills. “Lily” is a modified version of ChatGPT. The feature is based on OpenAI technology, which allows conversations in English, French and Spanish. The chatbot remembers the content of previous conversations, so the user does not have to repeat himself to a significant extent.

It is noted that the animation of the character’s mouth is distinguished by plausible articulation – it approximately corresponds to the sounds that the AI ​​“pronounces”. A video call is not the same as talking to a live person, but it is a significant help for those who need real-time practice. Duolingo has worked on its own version of GPT, so the conversation is different from what might happen on OpenAI’s own platform. “Lily” does not really annoy the interlocutor, correcting his mistakes – excessive zeal of the AI ​​can interfere with the formation of active communication skills in a person.

Duolingo has also expanded the amount of content available for those who are bored with the platform’s step-by-step learning model. The Adventures format features 2D rooms with interactive characters to help students prepare for real-world situations, such as ordering coffee in a restaurant or checking documents when traveling.