Ex-Google Guy Builds English Teaching App That Adapts to Student
- Shanghai-based LiuLiShuo uses artifical intelligence
- Users dub over HBO shows and text each other encouragement
Engineers work at LiuLiShuo offices in Shanghai.
Source: LiuLiShuoYi Wang was hearing the same refrain over and over: Why are English classes in China so expensive? And why aren’t I proficient yet?
The former Google product manager decided to do something about it and started an app called LiuLiShuo, which basically means “speaking fluently” in Mandarin. The app, which claims more than 30 million users, is one of scores of English-learning startups looking to disrupt China’s hidebound language schools. To differentiate itself from products started by Internet giants like Baidu and Tencent, LiuLiShuo brings gaming and social media features to the genre. Users win points when they move to the next level and text each other encouragement and tips. Wang also touts artificial intelligence that analyzes the student’s learning idiosyncrasies and tailors the teaching program to his or her needs.