Latest news with #Babbel
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
4 new AI tools that are worth your time
Four new AI tools caught my attention recently for solving specific problems well. They are free to try and quick to learn, and they point toward where AI is heading. 1. Lovart: Create a brand kit or marketing campaign with an AI design agent Lovart 's conversational interface allows you to generate posters, social posts, branding kits, storyboards—even packaging. Unlike other image generation tools, you can generate dozens of images from a single prompt, then iterate on the results in a chat dialogue. You can also edit the images. I used an eraser to remove stray text in a promo poster. Pricing: Free (limited use), or $15 to $26/month billed annually for additional usage and pro models. 2. Little Language Lessons: Brush up on French, Spanish, or other languages Polish your linguistic skills in three different ways using Google's Little Language Lessons. Unlike Duolingo, Babbel, and other subscription language-learning systems, this is completely free. It's just for micro-learning—picking up some words, phrases, and grammar—not for developing full fluency. Tiny Lessons: Pick from a long list of languages and type in a scenario—like hosting a meeting or going to a concert. Learn related words and phrases. Slang Hang: Catch up on popular new chitchat by watching a conversation thread between native speakers. While listening, you'll see the translation. Word Cam: Snap a picture to get translations of objects in the image, along with related phrases. Tip: Use this app on a mobile device—it will be handier for capturing images than your computer's webcam. 3. Gemini Scheduled Actions: Set up simple AI automations Scheduled actions are an emerging format where AI assistants send you personalized updates. You design the task and choose its frequency. ChatGPT Tasks, Perplexity Tasks, and Gemini's Scheduled Actions are three I've been testing. Get notified when a task is completed by email, push notification, or within the app. Here are a few examples. Generate a summary of headlines on your niche topic. I get positive news memos to counter the weight of news negativity. Ask for one-sentence takeaways, source links, specific subtopics, or whatever else interests you. Get weather-related wardrobe suggestions. Create morning weather updates with outfit ideas based on a list of wardrobe items you provide for personalized guidance. Plan a creative spark moment. Get a daily—or weekly—prompt for a creative activity: writing, drawing, journaling, cooking, or whatever you love. Catch up on your favorite teams, shows, or bands. Request updates on your favorite artists or athletes. Unlike services like Google Alerts, these AI actions let you use natural language to detail your personal interests. Explore new restaurants to try. Ask for a weekly summary of new nearby eateries, cafés, or dessert spots, with whatever criteria matters to you most. 4. MyLens: Create an infographic from a link, YouTube video, or text Creating infographics can be complicated and time-consuming. I've been experimenting with MyLens to convert raw material into visuals. How it works: Paste in text or upload a PDF, image, or CSV/Excel file. Or add a link to a site, article, or YouTube video. What you can make: Generate timelines, flowcharts, tables, or quadrant diagrams. Or upload data to create line, bar, or doughnut charts. 📺 Watch MyLens's one-minute demo video to see it in action. Pricing: Free to create three non-editable, public infographics ('stories') a day, or $9/month billed annually for 300 monthly editable creations.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
‘Sorry' is one word, why are we so bad at apologising?
Olivia Petter, The Independent Saying 'sorry' is easy. It's just one word, two syllables. You can say it faster than you can sneeze. Meaning it, however, is a lot harder. According to research commissioned by the language-learning platform Babbel, Britons have 15 uses for the word, with just one of them meaning regret. So seemingly sorry are we all the time that we don't even know what it means any more. Here are some of the ways we're using 'sorry' incorrectly: to ask someone to move out of the way. To ask someone to repeat themselves. To show empathy. To express disbelief. To disagree. To mock. And, if we're British, to preface literally any sentence ever. 'In British English, 'sorry' has evolved beyond its original role as an expression of remorse,' explains Noël Wolf, cultural and linguistic expert at Babbel, whose research also found that we use the word 'sorry' an average of nine times a day. 'It now serves as a social lubricant and a flexible tool of communication used in all sorts of everyday interactions.' It also reflects our nationwide desire to avoid conflict by way of old-fashioned, sturdy politeness. We keep calm and carry on, as is the British way. 'In a culture where directness can feel impolite, and personal space, both emotional and physical, is protected, 'sorry' can smooth over moments of friction, no matter how minor,' says Wolf. The problem with such an overuse of the word is that it has become diluted beyond recognition, and now we're unsure how to apologise properly for something that actually warrants remorse. How can any of us truly be sorry if we don't know how to say it? If we're saying it too much, does the word even mean anything any more? And why do so many of us resort to insipid platitudes when apologising? Few sentences are more grating to hear than 'Sorry if I upset you...' These are some of the questions asked by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy in their book Getting to Sorry: The Art of Apology at Work and at Home, which examines the reasons why we might be wired to apologise badly, in both our professional and our personal lives, and why it's holding us back from having meaningful relationships with others – and with ourselves. A central tenet of their argument relates to the rise of celebrity apologies: public statements made via social media, or representatives, that are designed to enshrine the celebrity's reputation by minimising bad behaviour. Or occasionally denying it altogether. We've seen this play out countless times in the public eye, with everyone from Drew Barrymore and Lena Dunham to Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis issuing statements to address allegations against them. Not to mention Britain's endless list of terribly sorry politicians. Often, the apologies are long-winded, PR-executed masterpieces. Occasionally, they're laughably weak and serve as the jumping-off point for an entirely new genre of meme; there are, in fact, several lists compiling the 'worst celebrity apologies'. 'They tend to centre the person apologising rather than the people receiving the apology,' says Ingall. 'Rarely do they say exactly what they're apologising for, making them sound fake and like clear attempts to squirm out of trouble rather than a legitimate attempt to make amends.' The result, Ingall posits, is that they set a precedent for apologising badly; for finding every excuse possible to shift the blame and avoid taking accountability, in a bid to protect our reputation – as if we, too, have a globally recognised public image to consider. 'This is because our brains are designed to protect us, to help us see ourselves as the hero of our own story,' explains Ingall. 'If we didn't think we were decent people, it would be hard to get through the day. This means that when we're faced with the cognitive dissonance of 'I'm a good person but I did a bad thing', we tend to fix that uncomfortable dissonance by telling ourselves what we did wasn't really that awful, that we don't really have to apologise, and that the other person always overreacts.'
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Learn 14 Babbel Languages for Just $159 With This StackSocial Lifetime Access Offer
If you're traveling internationally this summer, now is definitely the time to start brushing up on your language skills. But learning a language can take more time than most of us have, especially if you're starting from scratch. But technology has the answer! Whether you're looking to learn French, Italian or Portuguese, a Babbel subscription can definitely help. Thankfully, StackSocial has a limited-time offer for the language learning platform right now. Act soon and you can get a lifetime subscription to Babbel for only $130 when you apply the coupon code LEARN. That'll save you 60% off the usual asking price, and it's the kind of deal that you definitely don't want to sleep on. Unfortunately, this kind of deal doesn't normally stick around for long. Babbel's extensive language software includes French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. Lessons are short so you won't find yourself overwhelmed with information. Skill levels range from beginner to advanced and the content is self-paced. And it's right at your fingertips, perfect for any busy person. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Babbel's speech recognition software offers instant feedback so you know what you're doing right and where things can be improved and personalized review sessions help reinforce what you've already learned. The Babbel app works on phones and computers and while you do need an internet connection to get the most out of it, an offline mode provides access to key features if you download them ahead of time. Why this deal matters A lifetime subscription is always a good way to avoid adding another monthly fee to your growing collection and it removes the pressure of putting a restrictive timeline on your learning. Plus, buying lifetime access directly from Babbel would normally cost $599. Even with the current promotion, this StackSocial deal beats the price by a long shot. Just make sure to order your subscription before this deal ends tonight and remember that you have only 30 days after your purchase to redeem the subscription. Note: Although this is advertised as a lifetime subscription, there are no guarantees that purchases will be supported for life. As we've seen in the past, a change of ownership, a service shutting down or some other unforeseen circumstance may result in your lifetime subscription ending sooner than anticipated.
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Readers Can Now Access Every Babbel Language Course with This Special Offer
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. Being able to speak a second language is a key skill for many entrepreneurs. You can form personal connections with a greater number of customers, negotiote international deals without relying on an expensive translator or an app, and you can travel like a local when it's time to disconnect. Learning a new language can be difficult enough without the time constraints unique to business owners, but it's not impossible. Babbel is a language learning tool that gives you quick, practical lessons in 14 different languages along with an AI-powered conversation partner to practice with. Normally $599, a lifetime subscription to Babbel is now only $159, but that price ends very soon. Become a professional communicator What language do you want to learn first? Babbel gives you lifetime access to lessons in French Spanish German Italian Danish Norwegian Indonesian And that's just a sample. You aren't locked into a single language at any point, so you can learn a few useful phrases across the board or dedicate yourself to becoming fluent in one. Babbel lessons are short, typically running 10 minutes to 15 minutes long. That means you can fit them in between meetings, during your commute, or at home. Lessons run the range of practical topics like dining, shopping, making friends, and conducting business. The speech recognition technology will even give you feedback on your pronunciation, and you can build confidence by talking to the AI conversation partner. This deal ends soon. Use code LEARN by 11:59 p.m. PT on July 24 to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for $159. Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Babbel might be the reason a French barista falls in love with you
Discover startups, services, products and more from our partner StackCommerce. New York Post edits this content, and may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. TL;DR: Use code LEARN at checkout to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for $159 through July 24 (reg. $599). Learning a language used to take years. Babbel just made it feel like the easiest part of your day, and the most fun way to flirt while traveling. Right now, you can save $90 on a lifetime subscription with code LEARN at checkout—but don't wait, this deal vanishes in just a few days. Babbel's quick, 10-15 minute lessons fit seamlessly into your day, so you can learn wherever and whenever—from coffee breaks to commutes. Whether you want to master Spanish for your next trip to Barcelona or tackle Norwegian just because it sounds cool, Babbel has your back. Plus, its speech-recognition technology helps with pronunciation and makes sure you sound like a local, not a lost tourist. This isn't just about vocab drills. Babbel covers real-life topics like ordering at restaurants, navigating cities, and meeting new people—all things you'll actually use when you travel. And because life doesn't always come with Wi-Fi, Babbel lets you download lessons for offline learning. So go ahead, give your brain a workout, impress your friends, and maybe even charm a local or two. Who knew learning a language could be this much fun? Until July 24 at 11:59 p.m. PT, this Babbel lifetime deal is just $159 with promo code LEARN—a steal compared to recurring subscriptions. StackSocial prices subject to change.
