The newly formed AI division will be also responsible for improving the currently existing services, developing new ones, as well as collaborations with the firm’s partners. (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
SEOUL, March 31 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korean internet giant Kakao revealed plans yesterday to accelerate the development of its own artificial intelligence platform, which will be adopted in its messaging app KakaoTalk and online music streaming service Melon.
As interest in AI technology continues to grow, the latest move from Kakao is expected to reshape the digital landscape in South Korea, which boasts an average of nearly 50 million monthly users.
With the development of its AI platform scheduled to be completed within the first half of the year, Kakao has formed a new division dedicated to its AI ventures.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Amazon and Google, Kakao is reportedly considering the idea of developing its own AI-powered smart speaker system. (Image: Yonhap)
The newly formed AI division will be also responsible for improving the currently existing services, developing new ones, as well as collaborations with the firm’s partners.
Once the development of Kakao’s AI platform and official mobile app is complete, the company plans to apply AI-powered conversational interfaces to the company’s services including its signature messaging app KakaoTalk, web portal Daum, music streaming service Melon and ride-hailing app Kakao Taxi.
Kakao’s further plans will see its platform being shared in the form of a software development kit with business partners.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Amazon and Google, Kakao is reportedly considering the idea of developing its own AI-powered smart speaker system.
“Public interest and demand for KakaoTalk to adopt voice-activated AI features have been growing, which will bring major improvements to a wide range of services including music streaming, navigation, ride-hailing, news and search engines,” said the head of Kakao’s AI division, Kim Byung-hak.
Kakao Talk is the top messenger app in South Korea, with more users than Facebook or Twitter. (Image courtesy of KakaoTalk)
“Based on (our) competent voice recognition in Korean language, a big base of users that connect the country, and active collaboration with expert partners in various fields, Kakao will outstrip its competitors,” Kim said with confidence.
Working with its subsidiary Kakao Brain, Kakao will continue its efforts to create a digital environment for open AI platform development.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
