T Map Update Significantly Improves Voice-Based User Convenience

SK Telecom announced that the number of monthly active users (MAU) of its 'NUGU' platform has increased rapidly since the launch of T map x NUGU. As of the end of 2017, it was around 2.1 million, and the goal is to reach 5 million by the end of this year.

As of the end of last year, the 2.1 million figure represents the combined number of users of T Map's AI platform and the AI speaker Nugu. Currently, T Map has between 10 and 11 million monthly users, with AI platform users accounting for approximately 20-21% of T Map's users. SK Telecom plans to expand the AI platform so that half of T Map users can use it.

Lee Jong-gap, head of the Service Platform Business Team at SK Telecom, said, “Last August, the number of monthly active users of Nugu was around 110,000,” and “Through the launch of Nugu Mini, T Map X Nugu, and Kids Phone X Nugu, we expanded the usage area, increasing by more than 19 times in just half a year, recording 2.11 million in December.” He plans to create a virtuous cycle structure that leads to an increase in active users, data accumulation, and service advancement by expanding various POCs.

From answering to rejecting calls using just your voice… Improving driver convenience.

As manual operations such as “Aria, add nearby gas stations to the transit route” become possible with simple voice commands, convenience and stability are expected to improve.

SK Telecom has increased user convenience by adding 11 new voice support functions in the 'T Map Version 6.1' update that will be implemented on the 23rd: ▲Share arrival time/location ▲Change route ▲Run safe driving screen ▲Check favorites ▲Listen to podcasts ▲Check current location ▲Check driving information such as arrival time and required time.

Accordingly, the functions that can be controlled by voice through 'T Map X Who' will be significantly expanded from 10 to over 20, including destination search, news briefing, radio listening, and fortune telling.

Not only can you receive and make calls while driving, but you can also get your current location and arrival information.You can send a voice message to your contacts in your address book at the exact time. You can also check the remaining time and distance. You can also change your route, switch to the map screen for driving, and search for podcasts by voice.

'T Map version 6.1' will be sequentially distributed starting on the 23rd for eight devices including Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 8, S7, Note 5, A7, LG Electronics' G6, V20, G5, and Q6, and will be released until the end of this month. Apple's iOS version is also scheduled to be released in the first half of the year.

Kim Yeon-gyu, head of the AI Business Innovation Cell, said, "We are currently preparing an AI device internally. The successor to the Nugu Mini is scheduled for release in the second half of this year. We are also reviewing areas where we can further expand our AI capabilities."