Google is rolling out new features in its Google Translate app that could intensify competition with Duolingo, one of the most popular language-learning platforms, Lifehacker.com reported.
As early as this week, Google will begin deploying AI-powered language-learning features in beta on Android and iOS. The new practice sessions require users to listen and speak along, and are designed to adapt to each learner’s proficiency level.
Before starting, Google Translate will ask users to select their current proficiency level — «Basic,» «Intermediate» or «Advanced» — and to state their motivation for learning the language. The language practice feature will initially be available for English speakers learning Spanish and French, as well as for Spanish, French and Portuguese speakers practicing English.
As part of the same update, Google is also enhancing real-time conversation translation, letting users read text on-screen as their counterpart speaks. The feature now supports more than 70 languages and has been available to users in the U.S., India and Mexico since Aug. 26.
