Kakao, the powerhouse behind the popular messaging platform KakaoTalk, has unveiled an innovative AI-integrated messenger app named Kanana during its annual developer conference held in Yongin, Gyeonggi. This new application aims to enhance user experience by summarizing text messages, managing schedules, and recommending entertainment options based on chat history.
Kanana, a name that reflects its essence, combines the creator’s name with the concept of being “native” and “natural.” This signifies an AI that learns and adapts to its users, offering an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. The app will feature two distinct characters, or “AI Mates,” designed to cater to individual and group interactions.
For personal use, users will engage with Nana, who can remind them of upcoming appointments and summarize reading materials through both text and voice. In group settings, Kana will facilitate interactions by creating quizzes based on shared reading, grading responses, and providing explanations. A unique “whisper” function allows Kana to discreetly communicate with select members of a chat, making it easier to plan private meetings or dates without alerting the entire group. Additionally, Kana can summarize past conversations for newcomers joining the chat.
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Lee Sang-ho, head of the Kanana X department overseeing Kakao’s AI services, highlighted the app’s innovative approach, stating, “Major global AI services, including ChatGPT, are focused on one-to-one conversations. We believe that Kanana will be the world’s first AI to offer its services based on group contexts.”
In a delightful twist, users will have the option to set the AI’s voice to that of K-pop artists affiliated with Kakao Entertainment. During the conference, CEO Chung Shin-a requested a greeting from IVE member Jang Won-young, who thanked attendees for braving the rainy weather.
While Kakao has not disclosed the specific AI models that will power Kanana, it has indicated that the platform will blend its proprietary technology with that of major third-party firms. Currently, Kanana is in the internal testing phase, with plans for a beta release for Kakao employees later this year.
This messaging app marks the first step in Kakao’s broader strategy to introduce a range of business-to-consumer AI products under the Kanana brand. The company is eager to capitalize on the burgeoning AI market, especially as it navigates a challenging regulatory landscape, including the recent arrest of founder Kim Beom-su for alleged stock manipulation and government sanctions affecting its subsidiaries like Kakao Mobility and Kakao Pay.
Kakao’s AI initiatives have faced stiff competition, particularly from its rival Naver. The company initially ventured into AI through its former research and development unit, Kakao Brain, which was absorbed back into the main organization earlier this year. Despite launching KoGPT, a Korean-language large language model based on OpenAI’s GPT-3 in 2021, the results have been underwhelming, prompting delays in the rollout of an upgraded version.
Under the leadership of Chung, who took the helm this year, Kakao has undergone a management restructuring. A new dedicated AI division, also named Kanana, has been established, integrating the AI R&D personnel from the former Kakao Brain. This division comprises Kanana Alpha, focusing on AI models, and Kanana X, dedicated to developing AI services.
