THE BASICS
Have a heart Duolingo claims its hearts system stops people bingeing: you lose one on making an error, so be precise. Naturally, you can buy gems to increase your hearts count. Or go 'pro', which bins the hearts system and ads. You can invite up to five others to a paid plan - and they needn't live with you.
Be wary of leagues
Duolingo uses gamification to keep you engaged. But its league system is based on XP, which may lead to grinding rather than meaningful usage and learning. If the leagues work for you, fine. But if you find yourself repeating quick review exercises to boost XP, ignore the leagues-bar the daily games, which can be fun as memory tests.
Take it slowly
Even beyond the leagues, Duolingo's game-like nature can tempt you to burn through exercises. That won't help you commit languages to memory. Unless you have total recall, let what you've learned soak in before continuing. Avoid skipping speaking and listening exercises... and focus on a single language, rather than juggling a dozen.
Know its limits
Duolingo can only take you so far. Language experts say it's a good starting point, but won't make you fluent.
Also be mindful of regional differences: if you're a native English speaker, it will teach you Latin American Spanish, which differs from European Spanish-in much the same way that US and UK English aren't the same.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Stuff UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Stuff UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year
It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year.From its colourful costumes to a pastoral message of healing nature, Kunitsu-Gami is proudly Japanese in its inspirations. Your masked warrior is on a mission to help a divine maiden purge a mountain of an evil 'defilement'... but this is no Link/Zelda dynamic: you'll also rely on villagers to help you beat back monsters.
Tesla Model 3 (2024)
This is much more than a simple mid-cycle refresh for Tesla's most affordable electric vehicle: now smoother and quieter than ever, the updated Model 3 does everything you could want from a family car.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
This is the best iPhone Apple has ever made.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Is this just a nostalgia trip, or does it genuinely offer something new to make it as memorable as the top-down shooters of yesteryear?
Scott Contessa Voltage eRide 910
This is an electric trail bike designed with women in mind – not that you’d know that just by looking at it, because thankfully Scott hasn’t adopted the insulting ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach that many brands take.
Squareless whisper
This budget smartwatch sequel from the Nothing sub-brand no longer looks like an Apple Watch wannabe... but can it improve on the original?
THE MUSICIAN
SENNHEISER HD 490 PRO
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE
Considering how much the Evo One costs, slicing and dicing your veggies on it probably isn't the smartest idea.
WEAR IS THE LOVE Google Pixel Watch 3
Anyone who’s ever strapped on one of Google’s wearables will recognise the Pixel Watch 3.
THE CREATE ESCAPE
Don’t let the end of summer bring you down – find joy in making stuff. Whether you’re a podcaster, streamer, designer, musician or any other kind of creator, here’s the clever new kit you need…