KT Launches Giga Genie 3... Enhanced Voice Recognition and Added Bluetooth Functionality

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] KT announced on the 10th that it has launched the ‘Giga Genie 3,’ which features innovative functions and enhanced convenience for daily life. The device offers improved voice recognition performance for more intelligent conversations and is equipped with the highest-spec hardware and speaker performance among domestic set-top boxes. Users can make or receive calls via voice commands, and although in its early stages, it can also express emotions.

The Giga Genie 3 has significantly enhanced voice recognition capabilities. The company explained that by applying Dual Acoustic Echo Canceller (Dual AEC) technology, it simultaneously eliminates echo (sound reverberation) from both the TV and the Giga Genie speaker, enabling stable voice recognition. Additionally, the latest voice preprocessing (the process of receiving and processing acoustic signals before delivering them to the voice recognition engine) solution has been applied to improve wake word recognition even in noisy environments where noise levels exceed voice levels.

The device recognizes wake words and commands spoken consecutively. For example, whereas in the past, users had to say “Genie-ya” and wait for a “Yes” response before issuing a command like “Turn on the TV,” with Giga Genie 3, users can say “Genie-ya turn on the TV” in one continuous phrase, and the command will be executed without issue. KT explained, “With deep learning-based TTS technology, the voice has become more natural and smooth,” adding, “We have also added voices that are friendly for kids’ households.” More diverse voices will be introduced in the second half of the year.

Like previous Giga Genie series, the Giga Genie 3 incorporates the world-renowned audio brand ‘Harman Kardon speakers.’ The output power has been increased by 50% compared to previous models, reaching a maximum of 15W. It also features Dolby Vision, Dolby’s latest video technology.

Bluetooth hands-free calling functionality has also been added. By connecting a mobile phone and the Giga Genie 3 via Bluetooth, users can answer calls through voice commands when a call comes in. Since it uses Bluetooth, no separate subscription is required.

Additionally, a situation-based conversation recommendation (curation) feature has been added. When the Giga Genie is first activated or when the TV is turned on, the Giga Genie 3 initiates conversation with the user to recommend content or engage in dialogue. The ‘personalization platform,’ expected to be applied to Giga Genie 3 as early as this year, will propose media services and content tailored to the user’s situation.

The ability to express emotions through LED reactions is also notable. The dot-type LED is used as a digital clock during normal times and displays expressions such as a smiling face during certain emotional conversations.

Along with this, enhanced infrared (IR) control functionality has been applied, allowing users to easily control home appliances by voice without using separate devices. Previously, IR control was provided only for six types of appliances such as air purifiers, fans, and air conditioners from about 600 registered manufacturers, but starting with Giga Genie 3, appliances operated by remote control can be controlled via smart home remote control regardless of manufacturer or model through simple learning. Appliances can also be controlled remotely via a dedicated app even when no one is at home. Furthermore, users can freely assign nicknames to devices. For example, to control the lighting in the dressing room, one can say, “Turn on the light in the otbang (clothes room).”

The Giga Genie 3 is available for use with a 3-year contract at 4,400 KRW per month (including VAT, Olleh TV subscription separate). Applications can be made at KT stores, customer centers, and the KT Shop.

Song Jae-ho, Vice President and Head of KT AI/DX Convergence Business Division, said, “After listening to users’ voices for over four years since the launch of Giga Genie, we have introduced a more convenient and smarter Giga Genie,” adding, “As the time spent at home has increased due to the untact trend, we will continue to introduce AI services that innovate customers’ daily lives.”

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