Kakao has revealed its strategy to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to provide services tailored to individual user needs and situations. The company plans to introduce an AI assistant that can be summoned anytime through KakaoTalk, along with a collaborative environment where multiple AI agents work together to perform everyday tasks.
During the keynote address at the developer conference 'If Kakao' held on October 13 at the Kakao AI Campus in Yongin, CEO Jeong Shin-a presented the slogan 'Intelligence for Every Connection' and outlined the direction of Kakao's AI business. The goal is to create an AI that not only understands individuals but also allows everyone to enjoy personalized AI experiences in their daily lives.
Jeong stated, "By adding 'intelligence' that understands each person on top of 'connection' for everyone, we will enable everyone to experience AI in their familiar daily lives."
On this day, Kakao introduced several initiatives, including the AI assistant 'Kanana Space,' a platform for creating and executing AI agent teams called 'Canvas,' its proprietary AI model 'Kanana,' and a blueprint for a personalized AI experience through 'Project Mosaic' along with an AI safety platform.
Kanana Space is an AI assistant that can be called upon anytime through KakaoTalk to request necessary tasks. Kim Dae-nyun, Kakao's design leader, explained that users can summon the AI by swiping the KakaoTalk screen with two fingers, prompting the character 'Ryan' to appear and execute requests via voice or text. It supports a variety of tasks, from sending messages to managing schedules, conducting web searches, and changing KakaoTalk settings. Users can also engage in casual conversations with the AI.
Kakao aims to help users utilize AI naturally by conversing with familiar characters, with plans to introduce various intellectual properties (IPs) in the future.
In the future, the scope of tasks that can be performed through Kanana Space will expand to include ordering, gifting, reserving, and transferring money. For instance, if a user mentions needing bottled water during a conversation and then requests, "Order bottled water for me," the AI will assist in selecting previously ordered items and applying available coupons for the order and payment process. The intention is to connect conversations with actual service usage and task execution.
Kakao plans to conduct a closed beta test (CBT) starting in December, selecting some pre-registered users. Pre-registration is open on the Kanana Space website starting today.
Kim emphasized, "Kanana Space aims to provide an experience where anyone can easily benefit from AI without needing to learn new ways to use it, allowing users to leverage the various possibilities of KakaoTalk with just a word."
Kakao is also building an environment where multiple AI agents can be integrated into daily life. A new space connecting agent teams for users is planned for early next year within KakaoTalk. This will support agents created in Canvas on PC as well as those developed in other environments, all accessible through a familiar interface.
To support this initiative, Project Mosaic was introduced. Kakao's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Song Jae-ha explained that for AI to go beyond merely answering questions and actually perform tasks in users' daily lives, it must connect personal memories and experiences contextually, allowing multiple agents to collaborate based on this information.
Project Mosaic focuses on delivering necessary information to each agent within permitted boundaries according to user requests and desired outcomes, ensuring that agents with different roles understand a common context. The aim is to provide personalized experiences by reflecting users' preferences and past experiences in AI services.
Jeong reiterated, "'Connection for Everyone' is a promise Kakao has upheld and will continue to be an unwavering standard in the AI era, ensuring that everyone can experience AI in their familiar daily lives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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