Google has released a new tool to help users around the world improve their English conversation skills – one powered by AI conversation practice feature. This innovative addition allows users to converse with an artificial intelligence system to perfect their English skills.
Conversation practice system uses advanced AI language models to engage learners in realistic dialogue scenarios.Users speak or type answers, and the AI provides feedback, asks follow-up questions, and guides the conversation based on the learner's feedback.
Currently available in six countries (Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Venezuela), this feature is part of Google's Search Labs program intended to test experimental search capabilities. According to TechCrunch, which first reported on the new feature, it is available to Search Labs users and those translated to or from English on Android devices in these countries.
Conversational AI builds on Google's existing “speaking practice” tools, launched last year. These tools allowed English learners to practice speaking sentences and receive AI feedback on grammar and clarity. However, the new system goes further by allowing fully two-way speech.
In one example scenario shown, the AI asks the user: “What should I do?” after declaring that he wanted to get back into shape. The learner should then respond using specific words like “exercise,” “heart,” and “tired” to practice applying the vocabulary appropriately in context.
Although details are limited, Google appears to be exploring the potential of AI for language teaching, a space dominated by apps like Duolingo and Babbel. Unlike these structured courses, Google's approach leverages conversational AI for open-ended practice mimicking real dialogues.
For millions of people learning English around the world, opportunities to practice authentic conversation can be limited. This Google tool could provide an affordable and accessible way to build fluency through AI-guided conversations tailored to their skill level.
Google has not announced long-term plans for the conversation practice feature. However, this limited launch in several countries indicates that the tech giant is seriously exploring the language learning potential of AI.
Conversation practice system uses advanced AI language models to engage learners in realistic dialogue scenarios.Users speak or type answers, and the AI provides feedback, asks follow-up questions, and guides the conversation based on the learner's feedback.
Currently available in six countries (Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Venezuela), this feature is part of Google's Search Labs program intended to test experimental search capabilities. According to TechCrunch, which first reported on the new feature, it is available to Search Labs users and those translated to or from English on Android devices in these countries.
Conversational AI builds on Google's existing “speaking practice” tools, launched last year. These tools allowed English learners to practice speaking sentences and receive AI feedback on grammar and clarity. However, the new system goes further by allowing fully two-way speech.
In one example scenario shown, the AI asks the user: “What should I do?” after declaring that he wanted to get back into shape. The learner should then respond using specific words like “exercise,” “heart,” and “tired” to practice applying the vocabulary appropriately in context.
Although details are limited, Google appears to be exploring the potential of AI for language teaching, a space dominated by apps like Duolingo and Babbel. Unlike these structured courses, Google's approach leverages conversational AI for open-ended practice mimicking real dialogues.
For millions of people learning English around the world, opportunities to practice authentic conversation can be limited. This Google tool could provide an affordable and accessible way to build fluency through AI-guided conversations tailored to their skill level.
Google has not announced long-term plans for the conversation practice feature. However, this limited launch in several countries indicates that the tech giant is seriously exploring the language learning potential of AI.
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