"5G Customers Get Free Access" LGU+ KakaoNavi Launches AR Navigation Service

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] LG Uplus, together with LG Electronics and Kakao Mobility, will launch the ‘AR Navigation (Augmented Reality Navigation)’ service that draws driving routes and directions on the road starting from the 29th. LG Uplus 5G customers can use it for free.

The existing AR navigation function required the installation of additional expensive equipment such as cameras. However, LG Uplus enabled customers to use the AR navigation function on the U+ Kakao Navi app with just their existing 5G smartphones. The 'U+ Kakao Navi AR Navigation' is free of charge. While driving, users can choose between the basic ‘Map Mode’ and ‘AR Mode’. Selecting ‘AR Mode’ switches to AR navigation. Users can switch back to the basic map mode at any time during driving.

When using AR navigation, a blue carpet appears on the same lane the driver is looking at, guiding the driving road. At intersections, AR arrows appear to indicate the turning direction and the distance to the point. This allows entry into complex intersections or forks without deviating from the route. When speeding, the carpet color changes to red, making it easy to recognize speeding.

Upon arrival near the destination, an ‘AR Pin’ appears on the same scenery the driver sees, allowing them to reach the destination without wandering around. LG Electronics’ technology is applied to AR navigation. It is a technology that added artificial intelligence (AI) to LG Electronics’ augmented reality technology installed in premium domestic SUV vehicles last year. The AI judges the smartphone’s mounting position and driving direction using the smartphone’s sensors. Drivers use this technology for customized smartphone navigation while driving.

LG Uplus 5G customers using Android OS 5G devices such as Samsung Electronics’ ‘Galaxy S10 5G’ and LG Electronics’ ‘V50 ThinQ’ can update the existing U+ Kakao Navi or download it from app markets like Google Play Store and One Store to use the AR navigation function. Plans are in place to expand supported devices in the future. Kim Min-gu, head of LG Uplus mobile services, said, “As the first AR navigation introduced in mobile navigation in Korea, we aimed to resolve the confusion drivers experienced at intersections by using highly intuitive AR technology. We will continue to discover innovative 5G services that lead the existing market and provide convenience to customers through new navigation.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.