Hi Echo

Hi Echo is NetEase Youdao’s AI virtual oral-English tutor that coaches Chinese learners through realistic spoken conversation.

Overview

Hi Echo (虚拟人口语私教) is Youdao’s AI speaking coach featuring a 3D virtual human that converses naturally with learners. It covers scenario-based dialogues — travel, workplace, interviews — with real-time correction of pronunciation, grammar and expression. The tutor adapts difficulty to the learner’s level and generates personalized review after sessions. As a product of NetEase Youdao, it integrates with the company’s learning ecosystem and dictionary tools.

Key Features

• 3D virtual tutor with natural spoken conversation
• Scenario dialogues for travel, work and daily life
• Real-time pronunciation and grammar correction
• Level-adaptive difficulty and personalized review
• Vocabulary and expression expansion during chats
• Available on mobile and desktop

Pricing

Hi Echo is freemium: free daily conversation minutes, with subscriptions unlocking unlimited practice and premium lesson packs.

Who Is It For

Chinese learners of spoken English — students, professionals and travelers — who want private, judgment-free speaking practice.

Use Cases

Students practice English speaking before oral exams without the pressure of a human listener. Job seekers rehearse interviews in English with feedback on phrasing. Travelers drill practical scenarios like airports and hotels. Professionals maintain spoken fluency with daily conversation minutes.

Getting Started

Choose scenarios matching your near-term needs and repeat the same one until corrections drop. Pay attention to the pronunciation scoring on specific phonemes and drill those sounds deliberately. Use the personalized review after sessions instead of immediately starting a new topic.

Advanced Tips

Mimic the tutor’s phrasing out loud when it corrects you; motor memory drives pronunciation improvement. Keep a personal list of recurring errors and open each session with them.

FAQ

Is Hi Echo free to use?

Yes, daily free practice is available; unlimited use requires a subscription.

Does Hi Echo offer an API?

No public API; it is a consumer learning app within Youdao’s product family.

How does Hi Echo compare to alternatives?

Compared with international apps like Speak, Hi Echo is fully localized for Chinese learners with native-language explanations and a virtual human persona.

Does Hi Echo work for children or beginners?

Yes — difficulty adapts to the speaker’s level, so beginners and younger learners can start with simple, guided scenarios. The virtual tutor’s patient, judgment-free style is designed for exactly these users. Parents often use it to supplement school English with daily speaking practice at home.

Can I track my speaking progress over time?

Yes — sessions generate personalized reviews and the app tracks practice streaks and performance over time, so improvement is visible week over week. Most learners find the progress view motivating for daily practice habits.