Google strengthens partnership with Kakao to enhance its apps with AI powered Android technologies

Source: Platum

Partnership Overview

Google announced a collaboration with Kakao to drive user‑experience innovation on Android devices by leveraging Google’s next‑generation AI technology.

AI Glasses and Android XR

Kakao will develop helpful user experiences for next‑generation form factors such as AI glasses powered by Android XR. These experiences will operate in real‑world scenarios—including messaging, calling, hands‑free use, and natural‑language interactions.

On‑Device AI Services

Google will work with Kakao to optimize on‑device AI services, starting with Kanana in KakaoTalk. Powered by Kakao’s proprietary lightweight AI model, Kanana can proactively engage users when assistance is needed. By analyzing conversation context directly on the device, it provides schedule briefings, information guides, and recommendations for places and products. After a beta launch in October, Kakao plans to release the service—including an Android version—within the first quarter of this year.

Statements from Leadership

“We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Kakao Corp. This partnership will combine Google’s latest AI technologies with Kakao’s proven innovation for Korean consumers. Together, we aim to bring helpful AI technologies to every Korean user,”
— Karen Teo, Google Vice President for Platform & Devices Partnerships, Asia Pacific

“This partnership was driven by our desire to explore new opportunities by combining the technical strengths of both companies as we transition rapidly into the era of Agentic AI. By strengthening our technological competitiveness through this collaboration with Google, we look forward to delivering a superior, AI‑enhanced daily experience to our users.”
— Shina Chung, CEO of Kakao