Duolingo is making major changes to its learning mechanics for free users. According to the brand, this is a way to inject more “Energy” into the learning process, to use the terminology of the new system. And above all, among other things, that users watch the ad between lessons.
Are you learning a new language or chess on Duolingo? The company has been offering a major update for users of the free version since Monday. Duolingo, which is embarking on a profound transformation around AI, is changing its heart-based mechanics for a new way of learning and financing this subscription tier, called Energy.
Until now, Duolingo gave each user 5 hearts per day of learning. A heart was removed in the event of an error in an answer. Once the heart count reached 0, it became difficult to continue without paying.
Duolingo wants to better combat the discouragement of some users
A system probably originally designed to convert free users into paying subscribers. But in reality, reports CNET, some users ended up giving up. The new system is also based on a kind of points, called "energy," as you've probably guessed.
But now, each user starts with 25 of these points, and one point is removed for each incorrect answer. To avoid remaining on zero points once all the points are used up, Duolingo "recharges" your battery (we're trying...) over time.
And it's also possible to watch ads to earn more quickly if necessary, between lessons. Some loot boxes offered along the way also contain refills. The presence of points and their number, however, remains random.
"Mistakes are also part of learning"
Answering questions correctly remains, the firm emphasizes, the main method for earning points. And of course, it's still possible to upgrade to the Premium version at any time if you want a hassle-free experience.
According to the company, this new mechanic is designed to reward users more effectively, even when they answer incorrectly. One of the company's lead developers, Moses Wayne, explains: "Making mistakes is part of learning." He adds: "This allows learners to engage much more with Duolingo."
The update with the new Energy system is coming first to iPhone. The company will also offer an update for its Android users at an undisclosed date.
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