Google’s new AI-powered features for Google Translate are taking a page from Duolingo—and its responsive live translation could increasingly make language barriers a thing of the past.
Powered by its AI model Gemini, Google’s new beta “practice” option will let English-speaking Google Translate users practice their Spanish or French with custom lessons designed to fit each learner’s level of comprehension. Spanish, French, or Portuguese speakers can also bolster their English skills using the app.
Still, von Ahn said he wasn’t worried about large language models (LLMs) encroaching on the language learning space.
“Just having conversations in French on something like ChatGPT gets pretty boring after a while. It doesn’t keep you there. We keep you on task with all the gamification,” he told the NYT.
In a statement to Fortune a spokesperson for Duolingo said the company has spent 13 years making language learning engaging.
Google also introduced AI-powered live translation features this week for on-the-spot conversations. Translations will be read aloud and presented on the screen with a transcript. Google’s advanced voice-and speech-recognition models are able to isolate a user’s voice so the app can be used even in noisy spaces.
