Latest news with #NaverMaps
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Naver to debut 'AI Tab' next year for smarter, task-based search
Naver on Thursday announced plans to roll out a new AI-powered search interface dubbed the 'AI Tab' next year, marking a major step in its evolution from keyword-based queries to interactive, task-completing search experiences. Unveiled during a press briefing in Seoul earlier in the day, the AI Tab is designed to provide users with multi-turn conversational capabilities, enabling them to complete complex tasks, such as trip planning, real-time schedule changes and reservations, without leaving the search interface. 'For example, if a user searches for 'places to visit in Jeju Island with a 5-year-old,' the AI Tab will deliver personalized recommendations via a place agent, suggest optimized routes using Naver Maps and handle bookings, all in one flow,' said Kim Jae-yeop, leader of intelligent search X at Naver Search Platform. The upcoming feature builds on Naver's strengths in vertical search, such as shopping, finance and local information, and leverages its proprietary large language models trained on localized Korean data. 'As one of the few global search companies with full control over both infrastructure and content, Naver is uniquely positioned to redefine AI search for Korean users,' said Kim Sang-bum, head of AI search. The company also introduced its broader vision of 'integrated agents' that can interpret user intent and act on it. These agents will be deployed across the unified search experience, with the AI Tab serving as the dedicated interface for the most advanced interactions. While Naver is increasing investments in infrastructure and model development, it is also weighing how to manage access to its content by external AI platforms. Asked whether ChatGPT could access Naver data, Kim said the company was 'carefully considering' its approach amid ongoing changes in the AI ecosystem. With the launch of the AI Tab, Naver aims to offer an experience that is not just accurate but also personal, seamless and action-oriented, setting a new benchmark for AI-driven search.
TechCrunch
15-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
South Korea delays decision on letting Google move hi-res map data overseas
South Korea has once again postponed a decision on whether to approve Google's request to transfer the high-precision map data it has on the country's geography to its international servers. In February, Google had requested approval from the Korean National Geographic Information Institute to deploy a 1:5,000 scale map on its app in the country and also transfer that data to its servers abroad, a spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport confirmed to TechCrunch. The government was supposed to finalize its decision within 60 days, by mid-May, but the deadline has now been moved to August 11 as they are still in discussions, the spokesperson said. This is Google's third request to South Korea on this topic, following previous requests in 2011 and 2016. The tech giant currently uses a 1:25,000 scale map in the country that includes points of interest and satellite images, according to media reports. A 1:5,000 scale high-precision map would offer a more detailed view that would include even the narrowest streets. When South Korean officials rejected Google's request in 2016, they said an approval would only be granted if the U.S. tech firm sets up a data center in South Korea. The country also asked Google to blur sensitive locations, like national security facilities, on its maps for security purposes. Google has not yet said if it would set up a data center in South Korea. The company operates an array of data centers around the world, including in Asian countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Data restrictions by the government have impacted the performance of Google Maps and Apple Maps in South Korea. Foreigners and tourists often struggle to navigate with Google Maps due to the limited information and languages supported, often resorting to using local apps that do not support many foreign languages. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Local navigation apps such as Naver Maps, TMaps and Kakao Maps are most popular among local users. These apps offer map data at a scale of 1:5,000, and therefore, much more information and detail. Naver Maps, launched in 2002, has about 27 million monthly active users, while Kakao Maps and TMaps have around 11 million and 24 million MAUs, respectively. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
