South Korean internet company Naver announced on Monday its plans to enhance its search, map and other key services with its own artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. At the company's Dan 24 conference this week, Naver unveiled its "On-Service AI" plan aimed at enhancing major services.
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Naver's AI Vision
At the event, CEO Choi Soo-yeon disclosed plans to integrate Naver's AI core technologies, such as its hyperscale AI model Hyperclova X and TwinXR, released last year, into core services used by tens of millions of users.
Under the plan, the company will integrate its AI model and personalised recommendation technology into its search engine to provide more customised answers to users' queries. Additionally, Naver will launch a brand-new AI briefing function in the first half of next year.
The AI briefing function will deliver summarised, AI-generated answers to user questions, along with sources to verify the credibility of the information. The service will be initially available in Korean, English and Japanese upon its launch.
Expansion of AI-Powered Tools
Choi said Naver now has a broad lineup of generative AI technologies, including AI tools for SMEs and brands, business solutions and B2B business areas where security is required.
"We showcased HyperCLOVA X last year and after a year of testing our generative AI products with our users, sellers and business partners, we are now moving toward commercialisation," Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon said.
"We are committed to breaking down the boundaries dividing the online and the offline and providing AI services that genuinely make people's daily lives more convenient," she added.
CEO Choi Soo-yeon emphasised Naver's service direction, which is closely connected to AI and integrated search: "Rather than providing only correct answers and limiting the connection to sources, we will create AI technology into Naver's integrated search, which has the feature of providing various sources on one screen, and we will create a virtuous cycle where more content receives traffic and generates greater opportunities for the creator ecosystem."
In the first half of next year, Naver will also release an AI shopping application, Naver plus store, which will feature an AI powered shopping navigating function that helps users find products, promotion events and benefits tailored to their needs.
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Advertising Platform with ADVoost AI
Naver's advertising platform has also been upgraded with AI technology. The company has developed ADVoost, a new advertising specialised AI platform that helps advertisers. Naver announced that following a pilot application of 'ADVoost' to the home feed, the click-through rate (CTR) increased by about 40 percent, advertising costs (CPC) were reduced by 28 percent, and overall advertising efficiency improved by more than 30 percent.
Geospatial AI for Smarter Mobile Map Applications
Additionally, the company will update its mobile map application with geospatial AI technology next year to digitally recreate offline locations and offer more accurate information about various destinations on its map.
Naver said it also plans to create an impact fund and invest a combined 1 trillion won over the next six years to help foster the growth of the country's AI ecosystem. Naver's non-profit educational institution, the 'Naver Connect Foundation', will invest 60 billion won over the next five years to expand the AI education curriculum and nurture essential talents for the AI ecosystem.
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Naver plans to invest 20-25 percent of its sales in AI research and development, the CEO said.
