SK Telecom has launched an AI assistant service that supports both Korean and English languages, through collaboration with Amazon.
The company realized the service by equipping its AI Speaker Nugu Candle with Amazon’s Alexa voice service to enable users to enjoy both English and Korean based AI services through a single AI speaker.
Customers can use the wake word “Aria” to initiate Nugu services in Korean, and “Alexa” to enjoy Alexa’s services in English.
Both Nugu and Alexa support basic features like weather, news, chitchat and calendar. Korean content like Flo (music streaming service) and Potbbang (audio streaming service) can be accessed via Nugu, while foreign content such as TuneIn can be enjoyed via Alexa.
To visually show the two independent AI agents, SKT applied two different colors of LED lights to Nugu Candle - Light blue for Nugu and dark blue for Alexa.
SKT’s Nugu Candle users can use the new service by updating the Nugu app and connecting their account via the ‘Connect Amazon Alexa’ menu.
SKT plans to continue applying Alexa to its Nugu devices including Nugu Candle SE, which is scheduled to be launched early 2022. The company will continue to work closely with Amazon to make more services available to Korean users.
Lee Hyun-a, Vice President and Head of AI&CO of SKT
As Korea’s first AI speaker, Nugu has been providing diverse services to enhance customers’ AI experience. Now with the addition of Amazon’s Alexa voice service, Nugu will further strengthen customer value and convenience through differentiated content and services.
