Create dynamic language notes with interactive embedded phrases that auto-add transliteration and let you translate in-app. Record phrases in your voice, turn them into playlists, and practice on the go—right from your lock screen! (On iOS, coming to Mac soon)
Hello, bonjour, and bom dia!
My name is Gboyega, I live in Nigeria, and I’m an indie app developer. I also happen to love language learning. It is one of my happy places—albeit I haven’t actually succeeded in learning any of my favorite languages to the point of fluency in my 10+ years of trying (yet!).
I am currently attempting to learn French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Mandarin, Japanese, and Swedish. And yes, I’ve been using Duolingo (please don’t judge). I am also introverted, which I imagine doesn’t help, seeing as I need to talk to people.
One thing I’ve been wanting all these years, though, is a notes app for language learners. Not a flashcard app—a proper notes app.
So, in hopes of solving my note-taking problem, I decided last July to make a language learning notes app to serve as a companion app for Duolingo users like myself. I’ve tried using the Apple Notes app (which is what I use for all my notes in general), but it is not designed for language learning—same with all the incredible note-taking apps in the App Store. I finally got to build this app over the last 2 to 3 months, and I’ve just published it in the App Store as “Duory.”
Duory lets you create dynamic language learning notes using powerful embedded phrases. Embedded phrases are interactive, auto-adding transliteration and letting you translate** without leaving the app. You can even record phrases in your own voice for listening and pronunciation practice later in a playlist that you can control from your lock screen!
Disclaimer: This is a freemium app with paid subscriptions, as this is the only thing I’m presently doing for income. You can also try out the monthly paid plan for 7 days or get 50% off the yearly plans this month or 30% off in February.
Duory is only available on the iPhone right now, but it is coming to iPad and Mac later this month.
LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SUPPORT
Duory uses Apple’s Translation API for on-device translation. Here’s the full list of supported languages:
• Arabic • Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified) • Chinese (Mandarin, Traditional) • Dutch • English • French • German • Hindi • Indonesian • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Polish • Portuguese (Brazil) • Russian • Spanish (Spain) • Thai • Turkish • Ukrainian • Vietnamese
I am very grateful for the response I got from the community here with my previous (first!) app, and it is the only reason I’m encouraged to post here once again.
Thank you so much, and cheers!
Congratulations on launching Duory! 🎉 As a language learner myself, I love how you've approached the unique challenges of language note-taking from a learner's perspective. The combination of interactive embedded phrases and voice recording features shows real understanding of what language learners need.
I particularly appreciate the lock screen playlist feature - it's brilliant for maximizing those small pockets of time throughout the day for practice. The integration with Apple's Translation API for on-device translation is also a thoughtful choice for privacy and reliability.
I'm curious about your plans for social features - given your mention of being introverted, have you considered ways to help users practice with others while maintaining comfortable boundaries? Also, how do you envision the Mac version enhancing the learning experience compared to the iOS app?
Looking forward to seeing Duory grow and hopefully help fellow language enthusiasts break through to fluency! 📚
This app looks amazing. TBH, Duolingo's lack of note-taking has always driven me crazy, so this is perfect. Love that you can practice straight from the lock screen too.
Congratulations on launching Duory! It’s exciting to see a tool that enhances language learning through dynamic notes. How do you plan to incorporate user feedback into future updates to improve the interactive features?
Congratulations on addressing the challenges of language learning with Duory! The ability to create dynamic notes is impressive. How do you ensure that the embedded phrases effectively cater to various learning styles and preferences?
Congrats on Duory! It’s fantastic to see a solution that addresses the challenges of language acquisition. What strategies do you have in place to ensure users can easily transition from practice to real-world application?
Congrats on launching! Your app's UI and promotional graphics are truly beautiful. 👍 I'm still not fully grasping its core function though - is it a quick text input tool that works like a phrase collector/bookmark system?
Genius. Practicing straight from the lock screen feels futuristic & for me who since I'm wanting to go from notes to fluency without flipping through endless flashcards.
Kinda tempted to start a new language just to test it! Best of luck with the launch, can’t wait to see how this evolves!
Practicing directly from my lock screen. Now that's a feature I didn't know I needed until now .
Like the educational purpose.
Tip: Try to exchange link order because I visited Threads first and the main purpose should be to click on the apps. It could help you increase the chances to download he app :)
Congratulations on your second launch! As a language learning enthusiast, I’m thrilled to see more and more innovative language learning products being developed. Good luck!
