Ad: Manage updates with the Download App

duolingo

Duolingo brings free language learning to the iPhone

In June, Duolingo introduced its model for combining language learning with translating Web pages and documents into a variety of languages. The startup developed a free, "gamified" application that lets users acquire languages (English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese are supported currently) by progressing though a set of skill exercises, with virtual rewards to make the learning experience more engaging and effective.

Embedded in the game mechanics are exercises that ask users to translate part of documents and web pages. These translations underlie Duolingo's crowdsourcing business model, which charges customers for the … Read more

Duolingo translates the Internet for free

Translating the Internet into every language is a massive undertaking, and one that machine translation isn't up to handling. Luis von Ahn is tackling the problem with Duolingo, a free language-learning service that doubles as a crowdsourced text translation platform.

Users follow a step-by-step instruction process to learn a language, and at the same time they are translating Web sites and other kinds of information available on the Internet.

The service has been in private beta, starting with lessons for English speakers to learn Spanish and German, and Spanish users to learn English. Von Ahn, the A. Nico Habermann … Read more