Google app is testing the new feature of English conversation practice

Google is testing a new “conversation practice” feature in the Search section. This feature helps users improve their English conversation skills. This feature is available to English learners in Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Venezuela. These countries are present in the test of the initial version of speaking practice. Like many of Google's software features, this feature also works with the help of artificial intelligence.

According to TechCrunch, Google says the purpose of this experiment is to help improve users' English skills by participating in interactive language learning exercises. Artificial intelligence in this feature helps people to use new words in everyday scenarios.

“Speaking Practice” for the first time by a user It was seen on the X social network that shared screenshots of the functionality of this feature.

How Google's “Speaking practice” feature works

Conversational practice begins by asking the user a conversational question. The user must answer it using specific words. According to the screenshots, one scenario is that the AI ​​tells the user what to do now that it wants to be trained. The user must then say an answer that includes the words “exercise,” “heart,” and “tired.”

The idea behind this feature is to help English language learners have a conversation in the language while also understanding how to use different words correctly.

The launch of this new feature suggests that Google may be launching this feature as a competitor to language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel. This is not the first time that Google offers language teaching and learning tools. In 2019, Google launched a feature that allowed search users to practice how to pronounce words correctly.

Learning a language with the help of artificial intelligence is nothing new. Perhaps the most popular language learning app, Duolingo introduced an AI chatbot in 2016, and was equipped with GPT-4 for language training in 2023.

Another online language learning platform, Memrise, also launched a GPT-3-based chatbot on Discord that allows people to learn languages ​​while chatting. Other language learning platforms also offer conversational practice. For example, Pimsleur asks users to have a role-playing conversation with the app, prompting people to answer questions in their target language.