Naver has launched a beta version of its artificial intelligence (AI) search service, "AI Tab." The company plans to verify usability among active users of its services before an official launch in the first half of this year.
Naver said on the 28th that it has beta-launched AI Tab for Naver Plus Membership users. The service was applied starting the previous day. AI Tab is a conversational AI search service accessible through Naver's PC main search bar, the bottom of AI Briefing, and integrated search results for Shopping and Place. Naver plans to expand the service to all users and to the mobile main search bar within the first half of this year.
AI Tab is characterized by strengthened connectivity among Naver's core services, including integrated search, Shopping, Place, Blog, and Cafe. Unlike overseas conversational AI, it combines domain-specific data accumulated within the Naver ecosystem with user-generated content (UGC) based on user experiences to deliver the information users need. This allows users to quickly grasp information without having to check numerous reviews one by one.
For example, if a user asks, "Tell me about a cafe near Hwadamsup with a nice view that's good for a date," AI Tab comprehensively analyzes Naver Place information, visitor reviews, and blog posts to describe the cafe's atmosphere and actual visitor reactions. Users can check detailed information from Naver Place on the right side of the PC screen and even make reservations.
For a query such as "Recommend a four-door refrigerator frequently bought by newlyweds, based on wedding preparation cafe reviews," the service provides product selection guides and recommendations centered on wedding preparation cafe reviews. Users can check detailed information such as benefits, delivery, and options on the right side of the PC screen and proceed directly to purchase.
During the beta period, Naver plans to gather feedback from membership users and continue improving performance so that, by the official launch in the first half, response times will be optimized and the service will be able to provide refined answers even to successive queries with complex conditions. Within this year, Naver also plans to link AI Tab with Smart Lens to strengthen the multimodal AI search experience and upgrade the service so that AI Tab proactively suggests additional queries and exploration to users.
Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver, said, "AI Tab is a turning point in Naver's search paradigm, naturally expanding from exploration to execution." She added, "We will provide a differentiated AI search experience by strengthening connections with vertical services such as shopping and local, and ultimately aim to become an integrated agent that connects all the way through to execution."
