Rosetta Stone is one of the most popular pieces of software for learning languages at home, with a huge variety of languages available at a cost. There are a bundle of alternatives as well, including some online linguistic communities; today one of those online alternatives is gone, with Rosetta Stone having taken over.
For those unaware, Livemocha existed as an online community of linguists, and people were encouraged to learn through it. The email sent by Livemocha CEO Michael Schutzler indicates that the service isn't disappearing, but is rather combining forces with Rosetta Stone for everyone's sake.
At present the Livemocha website seems to be online and fully functional, and this will not change. However, the email makes reference to a "new product experience" that has been in the works for more than two years. The new takeover doesn't seem to make a difference to this, for the email makes no mention of any changes to their future.
The email makes mention of more announcements for the future, so it would appear the two companies are joining with some kind of hope for the work they will do. The complete email follows below:
Dear Livemocha community member,
Over the past five years, Livemocha has grown into a supportive, global community of over 16 million members, working together to learn, teach, and practice a new language. The learning experience that each of you creates makes Livemocha effective, meaningful, and fun.
We are passionate about building a world in which every person is fluent in multiple languages, and today, I am thrilled to announce that we have taken the next step towards that goal.
After months of hard work and preparation, Livemocha has agreed to merge with Rosetta Stone.
Rosetta Stone has built one of the most durable and well-known education brands in the world. They have created powerful technology-based language learning solutions that are the envy of the industry. By combining our strengths, our technologies, and our dedicated focus to serve you well, we will transform the world of learning.
Please rest assured that Livemocha will continue to be the learning experience, product, and community you know and love.
Indeed, Livemocha – in partnership with Rosetta Stone - will now offer more languages, add powerful new tools, and become available on more devices than ever before. And, thanks to your feedback and the participation and the support of the talented team at Rosetta Stone, we will continue to roll out the brand new product experience that we have been building and testing over the past two years. Stay tuned for more announcements soon!
We are and always will be committed to building a world without barriers.
Onward!
Michael Schutzler
CEO Livemocha Inc.
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