Kakao Unveils 'Kanana Space' In-App AI Assistant for KakaoTalk with Two-Finger Ryan Summon
Kakao has officially introduced Kanana Space, an in-app AI assistant for KakaoTalk activated via a two-finger swipe, supporting messaging, tasks, and commerce a
On October 13, 2026, Kakao officially revealed 'Kanana Space', an in-app AI assistant natively embedded inside its flagship messaging platform, KakaoTalk. As backup support for the standalone Kanana application concludes on October 14, Kakao is shifting its AI assistant capabilities directly into the core KakaoTalk client.
Image source: @nowlovepan / X (Twitter)
Kanana Space is activated by a two-finger downward swipe from any screen within KakaoTalk. Performing the gesture prompts the AI Ryan character to appear at the center of the display to respond to requests. This allows users to handle message dispatch, schedule management, web searches, KakaoTalk settings, and commerce features without leaving their current screen.
Two-Finger Swipe Gesture and Core Capabilities
The defining feature of Kanana Space is direct invocation via a two-finger downward swipe anywhere within KakaoTalk, summoning AI Ryan to the center of the screen.
- Message Dispatch: Users can request the assistant to send messages.
- Work Message Organization: When asked to organize work messages, the assistant summarizes which chat rooms require replies by specific times.
- Schedule and Settings Management: Supports managing schedules and modifying KakaoTalk application settings.
- Web Search Support: Provides web search functionality to look up required information.
Commerce Demonstration and Direct Manual Approval
During the live demonstration, Kakao showcased a shopping scenario leveraging prior purchase history.
In the demo, the single command "Order bottled water" prompted the assistant to select previously purchased bottled water and automatically apply eligible discount coupons. However, final actions are not executed entirely on autopilot.
- Mandatory Direct Approval: Final message transmissions and payment settlements are not completed automatically; users must directly review and approve them at the final step.
Pre-Registration and Phased December Rollout Schedule
Kanana Space is not launching simultaneously to all users, following a phased rollout model instead.
- Pre-Registration Open: Applications opened on the official website on October 13, 2026.
- Staggered Access in December: Selected applicants from the pre-registration pool will gain sequential access beginning in December 2026.
- Transition from Kanana App: Backup support for the standalone Kanana app concludes on October 14, marking the migration of AI capabilities directly into KakaoTalk.