[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)is discontinuing the beta service for “Kanana,” which was first launched as a standalone artificial intelligence (AI) app. Kakao plans to transfer the technical capabilities and user feedback gained from operating the Kanana app to its KakaoTalk-based AI services and Agent AI ecosystem to provide AI experiences to a wider audience.

Kakao announced in a notice on the 15th that it will discontinue the Kanana app and PC services on October 15.

Kanana is a conversation-based AI service that was launched in beta in May 2025. It began as a standalone app designed to provide users with a friendly AI conversation experience centered around the AI companions “Kana” and “Nana.”

Over the past year and a half, Kakao experimented with various AI features through KanaNa, including voice-based conversation functions, an AI studio that generates images, and “Special Mates” for services such as car maintenance reservations.

Ending the Standalone App Experiment and Transitioning to KakaoTalk AI

Kakao explained that it is applying the experience gained from operating the Kanana app service to its other AI services.

Notably, the company is commercializing its technology through services such as “Kanana in KakaoTalk,” which was officially launched last March, as well as “ChatGPT for Kakao” and “PlayMCP.”

Kakao is also expanding its agent ecosystem in collaboration with various partners. While the Kanana beta service as a standalone app is being discontinued, the features and user experience validated through Kanana will be expanded into AI services within KakaoTalk and services integrated with external partners.

This is interpreted as a strategy for Kakao to expand AI services centered on KakaoTalk—which has a large user base—rather than developing a separate AI app. The company is focusing on providing everyday AI experiences by connecting AI companions, ChatGPT-based features, and partner tools within KakaoTalk.

Data Backup Available Until October 14

The Kanana app service will be discontinued on October 15. Users can back up their data from September 15 through October 14.

Conversation data can be downloaded via the Profile, Settings, and Conversation Data menus in the Kanana desktop app. Images generated in AI Studio can be downloaded individually from the Gallery.

After October 14, users will no longer be able to access chat histories or generated images. Upon service termination, all user data will be destroyed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations and the privacy policy.

The Kanana team stated, “Amid rapid and diverse changes in the domestic and international AI markets, we intend to move forward to the next stage of providing users with a more in-depth AI experience, based on the technical capabilities and user feedback we’ve gained while operating the Kanana app service.”

They continued, “We sincerely thank all users who have participated in and supported the Kanana app’s journey so far,” adding, “We will continue to do our best to provide AI services that are deeply integrated into daily life and offer practical assistance.”