Kakao has unveiled new technology designed to enhance user convenience in the era of AI agents. The company plans to strengthen its AI capabilities by leveraging the connectivity of its 50 million users as a competitive advantage.
Chung Shin-a, CEO of Kakao (pictured), introduced the new technology, "Canana Space," during an earnings announcement conference call on the 5th, stating that "even as AI technology and execution capabilities rapidly advance, the relationship network formed over time through conversations among 50 million users is a powerful competitive advantage unique to Kakao that is difficult to acquire in the short term."
Canana Space is a new AI layer that allows users to access it by lightly swiping with two fingers anywhere within KakaoTalk. Tasks that previously required users to manually search for and navigate to specific features or services on their mobile screens can now be requested via voice or text through the Space.
Kakao plans to integrate Canana Space with external services as well. CEO Chung said, "We will connect the fragmented AI features and services that have been provided individually by separate services into one, offering users a unified AI experience."
The company also unveiled an AI productivity tool called "Canvas." Unlike methods that operate browsers on a separate virtual computer, Canvas utilizes a local browser control approach that runs and controls browsers within the user's PC environment. Users can automate not only information search and document organization but also repetitive tasks through Canvas.
CEO Chung stated, "Because Canvas integrates with KakaoTalk, users will be able to instruct agents on tasks from their familiar chat window and receive the results of those completed tasks." He added, "We aim to demonstrate the potential for KakaoTalk to expand beyond a space for everyday communication into an execution point where AI performs various tasks and assignments on behalf of users."
Kakao announced that its consolidated revenue for the third quarter increased by 6% year-on-year to 2.0867 trillion won, while operating profit rose by 7% to 240.3 billion won. To demonstrate its commitment to enhancing shareholder value, Kakao plans to execute half of its 300 billion won share buyback and cancellation plan early, ahead of the schedule set for after the spin-off.
Meanwhile, the effective date of Kakao's corporate spin-off has been postponed by one month to February 1, 2027, due to delays in the preliminary review for relisting. The change of listing and relisting have also been pushed back from January 17 to February 25 next year.
in TECH
