**Introducing Kakao’s Conversational AI Service ‘Kanana’**
Kakao is set to launch a new conversational AI service called ‘Kanana,’ which aims to provide support not only in one-on-one chats but also in group conversations. This service is distinct from global AI services like ChatGPT, which primarily focus on one-on-one interactions. Instead, ‘Kanana’ is designed to help within group settings, representing a significant differentiating factor.
During the annual developer conference ‘If Kakao 2024’ held at the Kakao AI campus in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Lee Sang-ho, the performance leader of Kakao KananaX, presented Kanana. The company plans to release it as an in-house test version by the end of the year and then further enhance it before making it available to the public. Kanana will be launched as a separate app, distinct from KakaoTalk, to provide a new communication experience.
**Your Personal AI Assistant ‘Nana’ and Group Helper ‘Kana’**
Kanana consists of two main characters: ‘Nana’ and ‘Kana.’ ‘Nana’ serves as a personal assistant, engaging in one-on-one conversations and also being able to participate in group chats, providing assistance by understanding the context. ‘Kana,’ on the other hand, is tailored for group settings, helping group members with requests or tasks they need support with.
Users can engage in straightforward dialogue with ‘Nana,’ asking it to summarize the context of conversations in group chats they have joined late. Additionally, communication is not limited to text; voice interaction is also possible, which can be more convenient when typing is difficult.
‘Kana’ is positioned as a ‘mood-maker’ within groups, acting as a meticulous and considerate helper. Unlike ‘Nana,’ ‘Kana’ does not retain memories of conversations from other groups and only assists based on interactions within the group it is part of.
Practical examples of using ‘Kanana’ include posting a research paper in a group chat and asking ‘Kana’ to create quizzes to assess each member’s understanding or receiving dating location recommendations from ‘Nana’ through a whisper function without having to ask the group.
**Why a Separate App Instead of Integration with KakaoTalk?**
Explaining the choice to release Kanana as a standalone app rather than integrating it within KakaoTalk, Lee stated that it was essential to break the existing mold of KakaoTalk to explore new communication experiences and connect data innovatively. This approach encompasses new technologies, user interface (UI), user experience (UX), and policy aspects.
To satisfy these conditions, it was decided that a new service was necessary to showcase AI technology beyond the familiar capabilities of the KakaoTalk messenger.
Furthermore, the process of inviting new members to a chat room is altered in ‘Kanana.’ Instead of adding friends directly, users can send links, allowing the recipient to decide whether to join the conversation.
Lee also emphasized that ‘Kanana’ encrypts all messages, with encryption keys stored on the user’s phone, ensuring that only the user can view stored messages.
Lee concluded by expressing hopes that ‘Kanana’ will become a popular and useful service in the era of generative AI, similar to how KakaoTalk established itself during the mobile era. The service is expected to launch after several months of testing.