Duolingo to launch generative AI video-calling feature in India to boost monetization

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. US-based language learning company Duolingo is looking to roll out its newly launched generative artificial intelligence-backed video calling feature 'Video Call with Lily' in India this month to boost monetization in the country, said its chief business officer Bob Meese. “The video calling feature is our big bet on AI, and we continue to update our AI features.

We might be in the sweet spot for generative AI," Meese said in an interview with Mint. “We now have enough resources, with the money and talented people to invest in it, but we're still trying to move very, very quickly. We think moving quickly is really needed with these new technologies." This comes at a time when the language learning industry is expecting some challenge from generative AI and its language and translation capabilities.

Companies like Duolingo are attempting to launch features on top of the disruptive technology. Duolingo is likely to boost monetization with this addition as users are more likely to pay for this feature, said Meese, who is on a four-day India visit. “Today, that is not available in India, but we're making that available in India, as soon as this month.

We think that video call will help people with conversation practice, and that that's a feature that people in India are more likely to pay for." The feature, launched in September in the US market, lets users converse with Lily, a virtual character, providing an immersive and interactive experience. The AI video-calling feature will be part of the subscription model, Duolingo Max, which is the company’s most premium offering. Founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker, Duolingo is an American educational technology company that