K-pop Archives

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

I tried Android Auto’s latest global radio streaming app, but it’s not quite ready for drive time

Non Stop Radio is an app that launched in November 2024, providing access to international radio stations, including those from the US. It features a straightforward interface on Android and Android Auto, with two main screens for current stations and favorited stations. Users can manage favorite stations easily and explore content by genre or country, although sorting can be inconsistent. The app has a colorful interface but suffers from navigation challenges, a lack of a master search function, and UI issues like light gray text on a white background. Some stations may not work, which can be disappointing for users. Non Stop Radio is ad-free and is actively being developed, with plans for future updates to improve functionality and add more stations.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Overwatch 2 is launching another Le Sserafirm collab with ‘more transformative’ skin designs, guided by Blizzard Korea’s keen eye for Korean trends and street style

In 2023, Overwatch collaborated with K-Pop group Le Sserafim, launching a debut song, five unique hero skins, and a new game mode. A new Le Sserafim event is set to debut next week. The Overwatch team, led by Aimee Dennett, is open to future collaborations, emphasizing innovation and creativity. The introduction of mythic skins, such as Reaper's Anubis and Widowmaker's Spellbinder, has enhanced the game's visual appeal and allowed for new creative exploration. Rogers from the design team highlighted a shift towards a more transformative approach in skin design, breaking away from previous limitations. Overwatch is known for its exceptional skins, with iconic examples like Ana's Wasteland skin, Genji's Oni skin, and D.Va's Shin-Ryeong skin, and continues to explore diverse styles for innovative designs.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Kakao’s new AI messaging app will speak in the voices of K-pop idols

Kakao has introduced an AI-integrated messenger app named Kanana at its annual developer conference in Yongin, Gyeonggi. Kanana enhances user experience by summarizing messages, managing schedules, and recommending entertainment based on chat history. The app features two AI characters: Nana for personal use, who can manage appointments and summarize texts, and Kana for group interactions, creating quizzes and summarizing past conversations. Users can set the AI's voice to that of K-pop artists. Kanana is currently in internal testing, with a beta release planned for Kakao employees later this year. Kakao aims to expand its AI product offerings under the Kanana brand, amidst challenges including regulatory issues and competition from Naver. A new AI division named Kanana has been formed, integrating AI R&D personnel from the former Kakao Brain.

BetaBeacon

September 18, 2024

Riot Games and Virgin Music Group reveals artist line-up for Arcane season two

The artist line-up for the upcoming second season of Arcane has been revealed, featuring artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Stromae, and Stray Kids.

AppWizard

August 19, 2024

Kakao scales down noncore affiliates to focus on messenger app, AI

Kakao has reduced its number of affiliates from 144 to 123 over the past year, divesting from noncore assets, including sectors like beauty reservations and golf rental services. The company has removed Wyatt, the operator of Kakao Hair Shop, from its affiliate roster after divesting a 38.9 percent stake in May. Kakao VX has also withdrawn from segments such as golf equipment, healthcare platforms, and non-fungible tokens to focus on the Kakao Friends Golf brand. Other divested affiliates include Awins, Beacon Holdings, and Xtriple. CEO Chung Shin-a stated that KakaoTalk and AI are the core drivers of future growth. The company faces regulatory scrutiny following the indictment of founder Kim Beom-su for stock manipulation and concerns regarding Kakao Pay leaking customer information to Alipay.

BetaBeacon

July 25, 2024

New Android game lets us play The Sims with our own Kpop idols

Hyperbeard, a popular game developer studio, is launching a new project called K-Pop Academy where players can create their own K-Pop supergroup. Players will act as managers, selecting idols, overseeing their training, and managing concerts to turn them into global sensations. The game allows for customization of the group's style and vibe, from sexy to cute. The simulator will take players from trainees to international superstars, with a release date set for August.

AppWizard

June 18, 2024

CHARTS: PUBG: Battlegrounds is back at No.1 on Steam

PUBG: Battlegrounds claimed the number one position on Steam after a collaboration event with K-pop group NewJeans, marking the first time since November 2023 that the game has secured the top spot.