Google just launched a brand new AI-powered experiment geared toward helping people learn latest languages and it’s coming straight for Duolingo’s turf.
Google Labs debuted a set of tools this week called Little Language Experiments, powered by its Gemini AI model. The goal? Make language learning faster, more natural, and rather a lot less formal.
The trio of bite-sized tools includes:
- Tiny Lesson: Teaches phrases for real-life scenarios, like asking for help on the airport or coping with a lost passport
- Slang Hang: Generates realistic conversations between native speakers, with hoverable slang and cultural context
- Word Cam: Uses your phone camera to discover objects and label them within the language you’re learning
Little Language Lessons is a set of bite-sized learning experiments built with the Gemini API – try it today → https://t.co/PBqHDKHGGk pic.twitter.com/Yu9mIRwEcM
All of it runs on Gemini, Google’s multimodal large language model that handles text, images, and more. It’s the identical tech powering other Google AI features across Search, Workspace, and Android.
What’s changing
Learning a brand new language isn’t nearly memorizing vocabulary, it’s about sounding like an actual human. And that’s exactly what Google is targeting.
Most platforms (yes, including Duolingo) leave learners speaking in overly formal or robotic ways. With tools like Slang Hang, Google desires to bridge the gap between textbook learning and real-life fluency.
In Google’s own words: “These experiments aren’t about replacing traditional study, but about complementing it: helping people construct habits, stay engaged, and weave learning into their on a regular basis lives.”
Meanwhile, Duolingo goes full AI:
- Just announced 148 latest AI-generated courses, nearly doubling its library
- Replacing human contractors with AI “where it is smart”
- Using generative AI to support hiring and performance reviews
Duolingo has been leaning on AI since introducing its Max subscription tier in 2023. Now it’s ramping up even further, but not everyone’s blissful.
The real query
Google wants Gemini to be your latest language coach. Duolingo wants AI to construct and run its entire classroom.
As each tech giants bet big on AI, the true query is: Will anyone still need to learn from a human?
