OpenAI’s new artificial intelligence model, GPT-4o, was released for free to ChatGPT users. Following the launch of the highly versatile GPT-4o, Duolingo’s shares took a nosedive. OpenAI, known for AI tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Sora, and Whisper, consolidated them all into one model with GPT-4o. This integration brought text, audio, and image modes under one AI model, resulting in lightning-fast and consistently accurate results, with capabilities that have been remarkably enhanced. One such capability is real-time translation, which, unsurprisingly, caused Duolingo’s shares to drop by 5% immediately after the release of GPT-4o.
The Decline of Duolingo’s Shares As one of the world’s largest language-learning apps, Duolingo gamifies language learning to keep users motivated and encourage regular practice. Offering language certifications, it also allows users to document their language proficiency. Additionally, Duolingo provides a subscription tier called “Duolingo Max,” which utilizes GPT-4 technology to explain errors and facilitate speaking practice. Currently, this feature is only available to English-speaking iOS users learning French and Spanish.
Following OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, Duolingo is now facing an alarmingly competitive landscape. GPT-4o can perform all of Duolingo’s functions and much more. With GPT-4o supported by ChatGPT, users can engage in video or voice conversations, ask questions, and request explanations of objects and signs in real-time.
Furthermore, the importance of language learning has plummeted after GPT-4o. With AI capable of instantaneous real-time translation, it’s as if you have a live human interpreter by your side. This impact isn’t limited to Duolingo alone. OpenAI’s new model, GPT-4o, can teach mathematics and even flirt, signaling potential disruptions for dating apps.
