KaKao

- Conducting a closed beta test with select users ahead of the official launch… AI mate supports users in both personal and group chats

- Aims to understand various user behaviors and improve service quality through regular updates before releasing the official version

- Personal mate “Nana” and group mate “Kana” perform various functions based on user requests and conversation context

 

[May 8, 2025] Kakao Corporation is launching the closed beta test (CBT) for its AI service “Kanana” starting May 8. Users who download the app from the App Store or Google Play can participate in the CBT on a first-come, first-served basis according to the sequence of registration.

 

CBT is conducted prior to an official release to test service features and stability with a limited number of users. It differs from an open beta test, which anyone can join. Since Kanana is a new type of service, Kakao plans to actively collect user feedback during the CBT period and conduct regular updates approximately every three weeks to continuously enhance its technology and service quality. Once the service reaches a certain level of completion, the official version will be launched.

 

# “AI mate” that assists users in personal and group chats, while learning and evolving with every use

 

Kanana is designed as an “AI mate” that assists users in both personal and group chat rooms. It understands the context of conversations and provides appropriate responses accordingly. Unlike existing AI services that function only through one-on-one conversations with users, Kanana also operates in group chats, helping to form and strengthen relationships—a key feature of this service. The more users interact with the service, the better the AI mate understands them, leading to a higher level of personalization. This is why Kanana highlights its identity as a “hyper-personalized service that understands you.”

 

The Kanana service features two AI mates: the personal mate “Nana” and the group mate “Kana.” “Nana” is available in both personal and group chats. It remembers user information to provide personalized responses. The group mate “Kana” functions across all group chats the user belongs to—helping with tasks like summarizing group conversations, setting meeting dates and locations for group projects, clubs, families, or friends.

 

For example, if a running club discusses an upcoming marathon, Kana can recognize this, register the event schedule, and send out reminders. It can also recommend new running routes, and if users request event notifications, it will periodically share updates.

 

Users can also initiate a one-on-one conversation with Nana using a “whisper mode” in group chats, which is helpful for summarizing past conversations when joining late or asking follow-up questions for more context.

 

Kanana accounts are created using a Kakao account, and during the AI mate profile setup, users can choose the mate’s tone and personality, such as “like a friend,” “like an expert,” “like a mood maker,” or “like a teenager.” Users can also manually enter and customize their desired conversation style.

 

Kakao Kanana Product Lead Kim Jong-han stated, “Our goal is to make communication among people more natural and meaningful through AI. As Kanana is a growth-oriented service that evolves the more it is used, we plan to actively reflect user feedback during the CBT period to enhance its overall quality.”

 

# New daily AI services coming soon, including OpenAI collaboration

 

In addition to Kanana, Kakao plans to roll out various AI services this year that blend seamlessly into users’ daily lives, including through collaboration with OpenAI.

 

Following the beta launch of “AI Mate Shopping” (as a KakaoTalk channel) in the first quarter, Kakao also plans to release “AI Mate Local” later this year. By introducing a range of vertical AI mates starting with shopping and local services, Kakao aims to expand entry points into its existing businesses and increase usability for users.

 

The company is also preparing a generative AI search service that understands the context of user queries and summarizes optimal answers. In addition to this, Kakao will deepen its technical collaboration with OpenAI to advance its AI services and focus on developing a comprehensive AI agent that spans the whole Kakao ecosystem, enhancing both usability and overall user experience. (E.O.D.)