Kakao Corp., operator of South Korea’s largest mobile messaging app, unveiled its first voice-controlled artificial intelligence (AI) speaker Kakao Mini on Monday.

Set for market release in the third quarter, Kakao Mini would be mounted with the company’s first self-developed AI voice interface. The speaker would be smaller, but smarter, said the company.

According to the image released by the company, the device comes in a rectangular shape with rounded corners and is covered in dark-colored fabric. Further details, including price and size, will be disclosed soon, the company added.

“Kakao Mini is developed as a speaker with ambient intelligence and would be cheaper than other AI speakers,” said a Kakao official.

Kakao Mini is connected to the Kakao habitat including the chat platform Kakao Talk, online music store Melon and web portal Daum

The company plans to expand AI voice-enabled services to homes, cars and offices.

“Kakao Mini will offer an array of convenient services based on its AI voice interface technology,” said Kim Byung-hak, head of Kakao’s AI division. “Our AI technology will bring about revolutionary changes to the everyday life.”

By Cho Hee-young

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