KT unveils TV set-top box with AI system

SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- KT Corp., South Korea's top Internet service provider, on Tuesday unveiled a TV set-top box with an artificial intelligence system that allows users to interact with the machine using natural conversation.

The device enables users to check e-mails, calendar appointments and news, listen to music and control other Internet-linked home appliances via a TV, KT said.

Unlike other voice assistance services, the set-top box allows users to give commands through the TV screen, KT said.

Users can start a dialogue with the device using one of four words in the Korean language -- "Giga Gini," "Giniya," "Chinguya" or "Jagiya."

Equipped with a cloud-based deep-learning technology, the device can increase the level of its accuracy of understanding in natural conversation, KT said.

The artificial intelligence-based voice command service is expected to offer a variety of services, including Internet shopping, food delivery and real-time traffic information, KT said.

The device is priced at 299,000 won (US$252.40).

Lim Heon-moon, KT's president in charge of Internet business, said the company will step up efforts to develop advanced artificial intelligence services.

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