SK Telecom Unveils 'Aster(A*),' Its New Global AI Personal Agent at SK AI Summit 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

SK Telecom (SKM) unveiled 'Aster(A*)', an AI-driven personal assistant, at the SK AI Summit 2024. Designed as an 'Agentic AI', Aster goes beyond basic Q&A by understanding user intentions to set goals and complete tasks. The service will launch a closed beta in North America in late 2024, followed by a full market launch in 2025.

Aster can assist with complex requests like party planning, offering step-by-step guidance and connecting users with relevant services. SK Telecom plans to enhance Aster's capabilities through partnerships with global search providers, LLM developers, and third-party applications to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem for North American users.

Positive

• Expansion into North American market with new AI product
• Strategic partnerships planned with global search providers and LLM developers
• Development of advanced AI capabilities beyond basic assistant functions

Negative

• Product still in development phase with uncertain market reception
• Significant competition in AI assistant market

- On the second day of the SK AI Summit 2024, SK Telecom introduced Aster(A*), an AI-driven personal assistant designed for global users

- Aster is designed as an 'Agentic AI,' which goes beyond answering simple queries by understanding user intentions to set goals and complete tasks

- SK Telecom plans to collaborate with global search providers, LLM developers, and third-party applications to enhance Aster's functionalities for North American users

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) today unveiled 'Aster(A*)', an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven personal assistant tailored for global users, at the SK AI Summit 2024. Aster, presented on the second day of the summit during the session titled 'Navigate Your Life with a Personal AI Agent,' conveys the meaning of a 'Guiding Companion' for everyday life.

The service is scheduled to launch a closed beta in North America later this year, with a full market launch planned for the following year.

Aster is designed as an 'Agentic AI,' going beyond simple Q&A or search functions by understanding users' intentions to set goals, make plans, and complete tasks on their behalf. SK Telecom aims to deliver innovative experiences through Aster, guided by concepts such as 'Planning Made Easy,' 'Never Drop the Ball,' and 'Timely Answer.' To bring these concepts to life, SK Telecom is focused on optimizing its large language model (LLM) and Agent platforms. This will enable the delivery of personalized information and the planning and execution of tasks based on the identified intentions of customers.

In the beta version, Aster can assist with requests such as, "Help me prepare dinner for a party this weekend." The system then prompts relevant questions to clarify needs, for example, "Would you prefer a chicken satay salad or turkey and vegetable stir-fry?"  Aster subsequently structures each step of the task, from suggesting recipes and listing ingredients to organizing a cooking schedule. It can even connect users with services to purchase listed items.

SK Telecom plans to enhance Aster's capabilities through partnerships with global search providers, LLM developers, and third-party applications aiming to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem for North American users.

"With Aster, users are interacting with a single app, but they're actually tapping into an extensive AI ecosystem," said Chung Suk-geun, Head of the Global/AI Tech Business at SK Telecom. "We're committed to providing unparalleled value and convenience to our customers through continuous development and strategic collaborations."

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.

For more information, please visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom.

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SOURCE SK Telecom

FAQ

When will SK Telecom (SKM) launch Aster in North America?

SK Telecom will launch Aster in a closed beta in North America in late 2024, with a full market launch planned for 2025.

What features does SK Telecom's (SKM) Aster AI assistant offer?

Aster is an Agentic AI that understands user intentions to set goals, make plans, and complete tasks. It can help with complex requests like party planning, offering step-by-step guidance and connecting users with relevant services.

How is SK Telecom (SKM) planning to enhance Aster's capabilities?

SK Telecom plans to enhance Aster through partnerships with global search providers, LLM developers, and third-party applications to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem for North American users.