Kakao has unveiled a new AI service that remembers the context of conversations within its messaging app to provide personalized responses. This new messenger app, which functions like having an “AI assistant” integrated into KakaoTalk, analyzes conversations in group chats and summarizes key points upon request. It also allows users to engage in one-on-one conversations with the AI, similar to chatting with another person.
On Oct. 22, during its annual developer conference, ‘If(Kakao AI) 2024,’ the company introduced its new AI service called ‘Kanana.’ Operated through a separate app from KakaoTalk, Kanana offers a personal AI assistant. Kakao’s CEO Chung Shin-a stated, “The most ‘personalized AI service’ can only be provided when diverse conversation contexts are understood, and personalized results are delivered.” She added that this represents Kakao’s vision for hyper-personalized AI.
Kanana’s personal AI assistant, called ‘AI Mate,’ is designed to function like a “best friend.” As it continues to interact with users, it not only provides personalized responses based on past conversations but also improves in accuracy with each interaction.
‘AI Mate’ is divided into two types: the personal mate ‘Nana’ and the group mate ‘Kana.’ ‘Nana’ remembers key information from all of a user’s conversations, providing optimal answers in one-on-one interactions. It can recommend locations, summarize documents, and even remind users of conference schedules discussed in group chats. ‘Kana,’ on the other hand, only remembers conversations within a specific group chat to assist users. It can summarize past conversations and recommend new dining venues that the group hasn’t visited yet.
Kakao plans to release a beta version of Kanana for internal testing by the end of this year to enhance its performance. Lee Sang-ho, the head of KananaX at Kakao, stated, “While global AI services like ChatGPT primarily focus on one-on-one conversations, ‘Kana’ is the first AI in the world to assist on a group level.”
At the event, Kakao also showcased its in-development language models and image generation models. These language models come in three sizes based on capacity and will be integrated into Kakao’s main services. Additionally, Kakao plans to launch an ‘AI Shopping Mate’ as early as next month, which will recommend gifts for friends based on trends. The company is also preparing AI services specialized in finance, including insurance and real estate.
Recently, Kakao is placing a significant bet on these new AI services, as the future of its business now hinges on the success of its AI ventures. However, despite launching several AI models and services since establishing its dedicated AI research unit, Kakao Brain, in 2017, the company has yet to achieve significant results.
What makes the situation even more difficult is that Kakao is also facing a range of issues.
In Aug., Kim Beom-soo, the chair of the management reform committee, was indicted and detained, prompting the company to enter emergency management. Additionally, Kakao Mobility was fined 72.4 billion won ($52.3 million) this month by the Fair Trade Commission over allegations of ‘blocking ride calls.’
The company is also facing potential sanctions from the Financial Supervisory Service and the Securities and Futures Commission for allegedly inflating sales figures. Meanwhile, Kakao Pay is under investigation by both the Financial Supervisory Service and the Personal Information Protection Commission for alleged data breaches.
