This new AI voice trainer can help you learn a new language

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Babbel Speaks walks new speakers through language tests. 
• The AI-powered voice trainer targets beginners. 
• Babbel aims to go beyond language knowledge to in-practice use. 

While learning any aspect of a new language is hard, actually speaking it is often the most intimidating and challenging. Babbel Speak, a new AI-powered feature from language learning platform Babbel, aims to help, targeting those beginning to speak a new language.  

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The voice-led trainer, unveiled Wednesday, leads users through expert-curated, real-life scenarios and dialogues that help users gain the confidence to speak, according to Babbel. This feature targets beginner learners who are just getting started trying a new language, and who may be struggling to feel ready to speak despite knowing how. 

"We don't promise to take learners from zero to fluent overnight - we guide them from first words to confident conversations," said Tim Allen, CEO of Babbel, in the blog post. 

How it works 

Babbel Speak offers 28 scenarios per language combination, which include speaking to your neighbor, ordering a coffee, calling a friend, picking an outfit, and describing the weather. These are accompanied by clear directives and personalized feedback on where users can improve.

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Babbel also said it designed the UI with gentle animations and clear visual clues to create a "calming interface" meant to reduce anxiety and cognitive load. Franz Ardito, principal product manager, added that the company tried not to overwhelm users by incorporating expert advice about how to pace learning while letting AI take on "natural conversational flow and personalized responses." 

How to try it

Babbel Speak is available in open beta via the App Store and Play Store. It is first available for subscribers learning English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. The Babbel subscription starts at $107.40 for a year, or $299 for a lifetime. The company also offers a 20-day money-back guarantee, in case you try it and are not satisfied.