Some Users Voice Discontent Over KakaoTalk Redesign
Tips for Disabling KakaoTalk Auto-Updates Shared
KakaoTalk has undergone a major overhaul for the first time in 15 years, introducing new feature updates, but some users are expressing dissatisfaction.
On September 25, KakaoTalk users voiced complaints on social networking services (SNS) and online communities, saying that the messenger's original simple functionality has been compromised by the redesign. On platforms such as the Google Play Store, where the KakaoTalk application can be downloaded, users have commented, "I never imagined that a messenger app would hide the friends list," "Profile update notifications now fill the screen, even for work contacts, which is exhausting," and "It has become harder to find conversations."
Comments about KakaoTalk on the Google Play Store where the KakaoTalk application can be downloaded. Google Play Store
There are also criticisms that there are too many advertisements and that the enhanced SNS features are inconvenient. One user remarked, "After this update, I want to delete the app," and questioned, "Why is it trying to imitate Instagram?" Other users echoed similar sentiments, saying, "There are too many ads," "It feels like I'm being forced to use SNS," and "Do I really have to show personal photos to people I barely know?"
Meanwhile, methods for disabling automatic updates for KakaoTalk are being shared online. Samsung Galaxy users can search for KakaoTalk in the Google Play Store, tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner, and uncheck 'Enable auto update.' iPhone users can go to 'App Store' in Settings and turn off 'App Updates' under automatic downloads.
On September 23, Kakao unveiled the redesign at the 'if kakao 25' conference. The update includes new convenience features, such as the ability to edit sent messages within 24 hours and an artificial intelligence (AI) service added to the voice call feature, VoiceTalk, which provides conversation summaries.
In particular, a feed-style user interface (UI) has been introduced to the Friends tab. Previously, friends' profile photos, names, and status messages were displayed in a list format, but with this update, profile photos, background images, and posts are now shown in a grid layout similar to Instagram. Additionally, the third tab has been revamped as the 'Now' tab, offering short-form videos and open chat features.
Shin Seongah, CEO of Kakao, emphasized regarding the overhaul, "KakaoTalk's chat window will become a 'window of possibilities' where more can be achieved." In her keynote speech at the conference, Shin stated, "This redesign reflects Kakao's strategy to respond swiftly to changing times," and added, "The phrase 'KakaoTalk me' will come to mean more than just 'send a message'-it will represent the experience of a bigger world through Kakao's AI."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
