Move over, Duolingo: These experimental AI tools from Google will change the way we learn languages
These tools currently support a wide range of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. Of course, at this experimental stage, text-to-speech quality may vary by language.
These experiments are part of Google's wider mission to make independent language learning more engaging, dynamic, and tailored to individual needs through AI. By focusing on real-world scenarios, authentic speech and visual learning, Google is signalling a bold new direction—one where technology adapts to the learner, not the other way around.
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Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Top 10 universities in Asia, according to the 2025 THE World University Rankings
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Apple CEO Tim Cook is the chairman of Tsinghua's School of Economics and Management Advisory Board. Read more: The urgency of early sustainable thinking education for Generation Alpha 2. Peking University, China Above Peking University (Photo: Beijing University/Kent Wang via Wikimedia Commons) Also based in Beijing, Peking University (Beida) rivals Tsinghua in prestige, and is ranked just behind it, at 13th in the world. Renowned for its strength in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, it is also a cultural icon in China. Notable alumni: Former Premier Li Keqiang; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo; Nobel Prize for Medicine laureate Tu Youyou; Robin Li, founder of Chinese search engine Baidu; and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand 3. National University of Singapore, Singapore Above University Hall, National University of Singapore (Photo: Commons) Singapore's flagship institution, NUS is a leading force in research and innovation across disciplines such as computer science, law, engineering, and business, with partnerships with industry and government driving cutting-edge developments in many areas. It is currently ranked 17th in the world. Notable alumni: Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Singapore's first female President Halimah Yacob, and former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong 4. The University of Tokyo, Japan Above The Clock Tower at the University of Tokyo (Photo: Guilhelm Vellut/ Wikimedia Commons) Japan's top university, The University of Tokyo, is ranked 28th in the World University Rankings. Known as UTokyo, it was founded in 1877 and has had a long history as Japan's leading institution of higher learning. 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The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Above The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Photo: HKU Heritage Fund) Ranked 35th in the world, Hong Kong's oldest university, HKU, boasts global recognition for its medical, legal, and humanities programmes. Its international faculty and student body reflect its cosmopolitan base. Notable alumni: Republic of China founder Sun Yat-sen, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and SARS researcher Dr. Guan Yi 7. Fudan University, China Above The Lee Shau Kee Library in Fudan University, China (Photo: Fudan University) Located in Shanghai, Fudan University is a member of China's elite C9 League, also known as the Chinese Ivy League. At number 36, it is respected for its strengths across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, science and medicine, as well as its substantial research output and continued international engagement. 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Notable alumni: Physics Nobel laureate Sir Charles Kao, HKMA chief Norman Chan, HKTV founder Ricky Wong and former HKEx Chairman Sir Chung-kong Chow 9. Zhejiang University, China Above Zhejiang University, China Ranked 47th in the world, ZJU, in Hangzhou, is one of China's largest and most comprehensive universities in China. With an outstanding reputation in the fields of engineering and science and technology, it enjoys substantial research support and strong cooperation with the industry. Currently, more than 50 faculty members of ZJU are members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), which are leading consultative institutions in science and technology in the People's Republic of China. Notable alumni: Chinese Premier Li Qiang, DeepSeek AI founder Liang Wenfeng, BBK Electronics founder Duan Yongping and Pinduoduo founder Colin Huang 10. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Above Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (Photo: Shanghai Jiao Tong University) Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is another leading university in Shanghai, with a long history and a reputation for engineering, science, technology, medicine, and business. Ranked at number 52 in the world, SJTU is committed to continuously supporting important research, promoting internationalisation and global cooperation. Notable alumni: Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, basketball star Yao Ming, table tennis legend Ma Long, and Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing
Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Are humanoid robots overhyped? Chinese tech leaders weigh in at Beyond Expo 2025
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Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
From AI earphones to Braille tech: 7 innovations from Beyond Expo 2025 transforming daily life
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