Avoiding outings due to COVID-19... Increased AI Speaker Use and Many Mask Inquiries

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] With the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) leading to reduced outings, the usage of AI (artificial intelligence) speakers has increased. The item most inquired about for shopping via AI speakers was found to be 'masks.'

According to KT on the 21st, KT compared the number of Giga Genie voice activations before (January 2?15) and after (January 30?February 12) COVID-19 cases were confirmed, revealing that the total number of Giga Genie activations increased by 8.3% after cases were reported.

Among AI speaker activations, the use of news services to look up information such as COVID-19 infection cases increased by 99% compared to before the outbreak. This surge was influenced by a rapid increase in news searches about additional confirmed cases and infection routes.

Due to the risk of COVID-19, the number of times people shopped using AI speakers without going outside also rose significantly. Usage of the 'Giga Genie Shopping Service' increased by 22% compared to the previous year. Between January 30 and February 12, after confirmed cases appeared, sales of 'masks' soared during the shopping service period, ranking second among all items sold. Overall sales volume of the shopping service also increased by 37%.

Additionally, usage of Giga Genie content expanded evenly. The increase in usage was recorded in the following order: ▲Games (14.8%) ▲Kids (11.5%) ▲TV (11%) ▲Lifestyle (10.9%) ▲Bluetooth Speaker (10.8%).