Anchor Alumni Sold Their Service to Spotify, Now They’re Back With Oboe: A Learning Revolution Using AI

In the rapidly changing world of ed tech, a new entrant has arrived that may change how we think about learning. Oboe, a new app that aims to support learning with more interactive lessons and videos, is launching today in closed beta on web and mobile — including iOS.

Oboe has been created by Nir Zicherman and Michael Mignano, the co-founders of Anchor — the podcasting platform acquired by Spotify in 2019. A few months removed from their well-received exit, Zicherman and Mignano have resurfaced on a new mission: to make learning more accessible, personalized, and engaging with the help of AI.

The Genesis of Oboe

Oboe’s origins can be traced to the founding team’s time at Anchor and Spotify.

Spotify’s Vice President of Audiobooks, Ben Zicherman, was motivated by Spotify’s attempts to elevate its audiobook offerings, bringing high-quality educational content readily to users. This experience made the Oboe team realize the value of AI in reforming education, resulting in the founding of Oboe.

Oboe differs from conventional online learning platforms that mainly focus on a well-prepared curriculum. With a simple prompt, users can design individual learning pathways on nearly any topic. Oboe’s AI engine creates personalized learning experiences for those who want to learn anything from quantum physics, to new languages, or the history of art — customizing content based on interests and comprehension levels.

Features That Set Oboe Apart

Unlike other learning apps, Oboe offers a variety of learning formats and a user-friendly layout. Here are nine course format options available on the platform:

• Deep Dive Articles – Well-explained theoretical content punctuated with images and real-life examples for comprehensive understanding.
• Audio Lectures – Stories and their lessons unfold in approximately 15-minute narrated sessions for on-the-go learning, ideal for auditory learners.
• AI Podcasts – Conversations between virtual hosts covering topics conversationally, mimicking a podcast experience.
• Visual Slides – Eye-catching presentations that simplify complex concepts using graphics and animation.
• Quizzes – Interactive questions to reinforce learning and measure progress.
• Word Quest – Game-based learning through word puzzles, making learning fun and interactive.

Such varied formats accommodate users’ learning preferences while fostering a more engaging and effective learning process.

How AI is Used in Personalizing Learning

At the core of Oboe is a powerful AI engine. The system is based on a sophisticated, multi-agent architecture designed to deliver personalized learning content automatically.

This flexible approach enables the platform to adapt to a user’s level, pace, and preferred content format, ensuring a hyper-personalized experience.

Zicherman emphasizes that Oboe is not meant to replace human instructors but to supplement learning. Through AI, Oboe provides learners with the tools and resources needed to explore topics on their own schedule, transforming their relationship with self-driven and lifelong learning.

A Philosophical Approach to Learning

The developers of Oboe adhere to a fundamental philosophy: technology should augment human intelligence, not diminish it.

While AI is often associated with passive content consumption, Oboe empowers users to actively engage with learning. The platform encourages:

• Curiosity and exploration
• A questioning mindset
• Deep engagement beyond surface-level knowledge

This philosophy is reflected in Oboe’s intuitive and aesthetically clean interface, ensuring users can focus entirely on learning without distractions.

The Future of Oboe

Since its inception, Oboe has been recognized as an innovative force in education. While still in its early stages, it has the potential to redefine traditional educational models through personalized and adaptable learning experiences.

The founders are dedicated to:

• Continuously improving Oboe
• Incorporating user feedback
• Expanding platform features to meet evolving learning needs

Zicherman and Mignano envision Oboe as a tool for students, professionals, and lifelong learners, adaptable across formal education, online learning, and corporate training environments.

Conclusion

Oboe represents a significant advancement in AI-powered education. By combining personalized learning experiences, multi-format content, and user-first design, Oboe points to a future where education:

• Adapts to individual learners
• Is accessible to all
• Encourages curiosity and active engagement

As the platform evolves, it has the potential to reshape how we learn and interact with knowledge in a digital world.