Technology Talk: Kakao Talk Launches Open Chat, a New Chat Feature that Allows Users to Begin Chatting with the Click of a Link

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KakaoTalk users share diverse content and information including photos, videos, voice messages, location, URL links as well as contact information.

Kakao Philippines Corp. has announced the launch of Open Chat, a Kakao Talk feature that allows users to chat with others at the click of a link. All chat rooms in Open Chat have designated URLs, which users can share on social media and other websites.

Any Kakao Talk user can enter the chat room without providing their mobile phone numbers or Kakao Talk IDs.

Group chats are then easier to start because users who have the link can join the conversation; no need to add people one by one.

Human relationships offline are not equal. There are mutual friends whom users are comfortable sharing their mobile numbers or profiles with, and then there are complete strangers. Kakao provides a middle level of interaction with this new feature. Open Chat connects users through links; as opposed to regular chats, which require the exchange of phone numbers. Open Chat allows users to have more control over their friends list and gives them a secure alternative: to chat with whomever they need without having to divulge personal information.

Kakao Talk users have continuously requested for “easier and more convenient ways to chat with new friends” and “ways to limit or control who [they] reveal [their] profiles to.” Open Chat was introduced to address these issues.

The new feature is intended for those who are seeking fast and convenient ways of communication. People with the same interests can also converse with each other on Open Chat through links posted on social media and other websites. Students, in particular, can use it for group work in classes, extracurricular activities, study sessions, and more. They can also share an Open Chat link at online marketplaces instead of exposing personal information, such as phone numbers and IDs, when selling or purchasing second-hand items.

Open Chat can also serve as an interactive comment section for news providers, bloggers, and readers to discuss an article or blog entry without giving out personal details.

News providers and bloggers only need to add an Open Chat link at the end of the post.

Open Chats can be created by pressing on the floating ‘+’ button on the Chats tab and selecting ‘Open Chat.’ The host can then input his or her chat identity and set up a chat room. The host can choose a type of chat (1:1 chat or group chat), select a background photo, and simply press ‘OK.’ The Open Chat link will then be live and ready to go.

Open Chat can accommodate up to 500 users in a single chat room. The chat room’s host can designate the maximum number of users that can participate in any given Open Chat. 

"Open Chat makes it easy to begin conversations with people who are not on each other’s KakaoTalk friends lists. It also alleviates users’ concerns about exposing their personal details on messenger services,” explained Paolo Pineda, CEO of Kakao Philippines Corp.

"The real value of this feature is that it provides our users with privacy and control over their friends list, while connecting with other people."

Kakao Talk’s Open Chat feature will be available to Filipino users starting October 11th, on both iOS and Android. Users can also enjoy Kakao Talk’s other features like Secret Group Chat and Star Chat.

For more information, please visit facebook.com/kakaotalkph.

Kakao Corp.

Kakao Corp is a global mobile lifestyle platform company with services spanning messaging, mail, search, news, advertising, gaming, e-commerce, music, maps and more. Based in South Korea, Kakao reaches consumers, businesses and others via its portfolio of popular assets: KakaoTalk, KakaoGame, Daum Mail and Daum Cafe, among others. In line with the vision to “Connect Everything” Kakao plans to center its focus on creating an environment of real-time interconnectivity, thereby enriching lives and delivering value to consumers, businesses, partners and shareholders alike. Kakao is committed to building new experiences by harnessing its successful 20-year legacy of innovation as an Internet and mobile services leader. More information is available at www.kakao.com

Kakao Philippines Corp. is a new company in the Philippines owned by Kakao Corp. and ABS-CBN. The company's main objective is the proliferation of its messaging service and launching new mobile services in the Philippines and SEA.

Plan your vacation, or staycation? There are Travel Tips from #KakaoTalkPH

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There are long weekends this year! The government has declared 8 long weekends caused by holiday this 2015. 

Plans? You have time to browse the travel guides, travel information on top hotels, restaurants, and things to do around. Find great ideas on where to stay, eat, and shop.

Getting to know when these long weekends will fall is important so you can plan your vacation, or staycation, ahead. 

KakaoTalk, one of the leading messaging application in the world, comes up with an infographic that pins down these long weekends and gives you tips on how you plan these days ahead.

Enjoy your trips ! You can plan theses holidays ahead with #KakaoTalkPH

Which Kakao Friend Are You?

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Find out which Kakao Friends character shares your personality!

In addition to KakaoTalk’s unique and diverse features, the fast, fun and free mobile messaging app is best known for its Kakao Friends characters. No matter your personality, you will be able to find your perfect avatar among the seven distinct and colorful characters.

So which Kakao Friend is just right for you? Are you an attention-seeker like Neo? Or more playful and silly like Muzi? Check out the Kakao Friends profiles, then dig deep and bring out the Kakao Friend inside of you!

Dynamic Jay-G

Are you always trying to look your best? Do you keep a part of yourself hidden while secretly hoping others will notice? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you just might be a Jay-G!

Jay-G is a secret agent by day, and a hip-hop star by night. He’s always the coolest guy in the room with his signature tuxedo and dark sunglasses. Not only is Jay-G’s suit crisp, but he always makes it a point to get his hair done fresh. Despite all of his efforts, Jay-G somehow struggles to impress the ladies. 

Emo Tube

Are you very quick to show your emotions? Are you one of those people that go from nice to angry in a split second? Are you normally a quiet person that explodes when faced with injustice? 

If you answer yes to all of the above, Tube is most definitely your Kakao Friend counterpart. 

A warm-hearted softie with an angry alter ego, Tube is definitely not your average duck. He wears large flippers to hide his small feet and turns into a fanged green duck when he’s mad or scared. Whether white or green, Tube always shows his emotions to the fullest!

Con: the Mad Scientist 

Are you clever and imaginative? Do you like to create… living things? Do you treat these creations as if they are your children? If you’re a new age Dr. Frankenstein, then you must be Con. Con, the tiny crocodile, grew a radish and a peach and transformed them into Muzi and Apeach, both of whom he carefully watches over. 

While living, breathing fruits and vegetables are certainly awesome, may we suggest you can channel your creativity into building things like robots and spaceships? 

Adventurous Muzi

Are you ready to do whatever it takes to conquer your fears and experience everything life has to offer? Do you love dressing up in cute costumes? Are you endlessly playful? If yes, then you are most like Muzi. 

Most people don’t realize that Muzi is a radish because he loves dressing up in cute bunny costumes! In his costume, Muzi’s confidence is sky-high and there’s nothing he can’t do. Muzi is also always seen with his creator-turned-sidekick, Con. 

Don’t be surprised if this inseparable duo soon takes over the world. If you’re happy-go-lucky and always with a buddy – you could be Muzi!

Sexy Apeach

Do you consider yourself to be the campus crush or a head-turning hottie? Are you charismatic and popular? Are you often worried that people might discover your flaws? 

Like it or not, you are quite possibly an Apeach! 

Apeach is the result of Con’s experiment to genetically modify a peach. Everyone loves Apeach’s hot looks, but they’re not big fans of his hot temper.

If you’re like Apeach, we suggest you to match your outside with your inside. 

After all, real beauty comes from within, right?

Easy-Going Frodo

Do you never worry about money? Do you make sure you to soak up all the good things life has to offer? With your cool and laid-back attitude, there’s definitely a Frodo inside of you. 

Frodo is a city dog from a wealthy family who always maintains a relaxed demeanor. 

Every morning, he takes time to savor a cup of the finest coffee. If you have time and money to spare, then you might identify with Frodo.

Self-Absorbed Neo

Does the world revolve around you? Do you put your needs before others? 

Do you make exceptions ONLY for your special someone? If you’re nodding right now, then you must be a Neo.

Neo is a selfish, vain cat who prides herself on the perfect bob of her wig. She only compromises for Frodo, the one and only love of her life. Neo and Frodo’s relationship is pure drama, as they’re constantly fighting like cats and dogs! 

Still, they’re never apart, and they always find ways to settle things between them. Neo rides with Frodo no matter what.

Get to know more the Kakao Friends by downloading the KakaoTalk app for your mobile or desktop at www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

New KakaoTalk features: Anipang capturing the hearts of Filipinos

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SundayToz’s signature puzzle game jumps in popularity among KakaoTalk users

Anipang was featured on Pinoy Big Brother All In. In the episode, current housemates took on eliminated cast members in a heated game of Anipang for Kakao, with the winners receiving limited edition character items. With user interest in the game high, Kakao Philippines made Anipang a featured app within KakaoTalk for both Android and iOS so user could gain easy access.

The popularity of SundayToz’s Anipang for Kakao seems to be reaching its apex. The puzzle game available on KakaoTalk’s mobile social platform is climbing up the charts and ranking among the top downloaded games in various app stores. 

Anipang is already a blockbuster hit in Korea, where it has been downloaded more than 30 million times. Approximately 80% of all smartphone users in Korea have played Anipang, making it the undisputed no. 1 game on mobile platform. Many of the country’s top stars, including G-Dragon of Big Bang, Lee Byung-hun, as well as members of TVXQ and SNSD, have expressed their love for Anipang and its characters.

A major part of Anipang’s appeal is the ability to send and receive hearts with other KakaoTalk friends. Hearts function as play tokens within the game, and with Anipang being the perfect game to enjoy with friends and family, exchanging heart messages has emerged as huge cultural phenomenon among players since it debuted two years ago.

“Kakao Game is one of the successful aspects of KakaoTalk’s various social platform services, with around 520 million subscribers worldwide,” said Jean Lee, Head of Kakao Philippines. 

“The key reason for its popularity is the fact that you can compete and compare scores with other KakaoTalk users, making it a very social, connective experience. Anipang is certainly a great example of this, and we’re glad Filipinos are embracing this great game,” Lee added.

For more information on KakaoTalk’s features and offerings, visit www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

KakaoTalk for Father’s Day Everyday !

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Give Dad the Day he Deserves with KakaoTalk’s Diverse Features, 

KakaoTalk, one of the leading mobile messaging apps, suggests a few tips on how to make your dad feel like every day is Father’s Day.

Father’s Day comes only once a year - and it’s one of the rare chances to get a little cheesy with your Dad! Rare chocolates, a bouquet of flowers or a fancy dinner uptown can bring a smile to your mom’s face, but finding the right gift for your dad on his special day can often feel like a test. So instead of stressing over what to buy him, send the one thing guaranteed to make his day: your love! Not only is a heartfelt message on KakaoTalk is free, fast and fun, but also a gift he can keep with him forever!

Here are the few tips from KakaoTalk on how to make your dad feel like every day is Father’s Day: 

Eliminate stress 

Whether it's organizing your closet, making your bed, or keeping your weekend curfew, make your dad happy by actively fulfilling his request. Your dad will surely appreciate the responsibility and initiative you show! Then, use KakaoTalk to send him a photo of all the dishes you washed, his newly shined and waxed car, or your neat and organized room as a postcard of your appreciation. 

Spend time together 

It may seem simple, but just spending quality time together can create indelible life moments. See the newest blockbuster movie, take a road trip out of town, go for a walk alongside the nearest beachfront, or fire up the grill for dad’s favorite barbeque. With KakaoTalk’s scheduling feature, planning any event, even for your whole family, is quick and easy, and you can even make it a surprise to your dad! Set time aside to plan a Father’s Day event that you and your family will always remember.

Pamper him – any way you can 

Dads don’t get as much pampering as moms often do, so treat him to a day of massages, grooming and relaxation. Breakfast in bed might be a bit awkward for him, but your dad will surely love a meal at his favorite restaurant. However, if you’re far away from him, sweet message coming from your voice will be just as nourishing to your dad. KakaoTalk’s crisp and clear voice call and voice note features are the perfect tools to make your dad feel extra special. 

Express how important he is 

Chances are, you have made or bought a Fathers’ Day card at one time or another. This year, dare to be different and let KakaoTalk do the talking for you! Show your love to dad by using KakaoTalk’s wide array of animated stickers when you send your message of gratitude. 

It’s the thought that counts 

The heart of Father’s Day is showing dad how much you care. Gifts and gestures are nice, but nothing matters more to dad than knowing that he’s loved. Wherever you find yourself this Father’s Day, catch up with dad via KakaoTalk—it’s a free and easy way to show how much you care. A simple message of “I love you, dad!” will be enough to make his day. 

Whether you choose to celebrate the occasion modestly or elaborately, Father’s’ Day is all about bonding with family and showering dad with the love he deserves. Use the above 5 tips from KakaoTalk to make this the perfect Father’s Day for the best dad in the world, yours! 

For more information on KakaoTalk’s features and offerings, visit www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

About Kakao Corp.

Kakao Corporation is the provider of KakaoTalk, a mobile messaging application and global mobile social platform based in South Korea. Since the launch of its app in 2010, Kakao has solidified its position as a leader in the mobile industry, expanding its service beyond messaging to a social platform encompassing games, digital contents, marketing, commerce and more. KakaoTalk currently has more than 150 million registered users from 230 countries, and billions of messages are delivered every day in form of text, photos, video and voice. As a global, cross-platform application, it is available in 14 languages, on Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Bada, Windows Phone and Nokia Asha. Kakao’s mission is to build a symbiotic mobile ecosystem at the global scale, offering a mobile social platform that provides win-win solutions for users and third-party partners alike. For more information, visit www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

Witness kilig-talk with KakaoTalk from the KathNiel love team!

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There's no stopping today's hottest young love team of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla to bring more sweetness and as what we call "kilig!"

The love team, more charmingly known as “KathNiel” prove to be the most effective on-screen (or even offscreen?) partners right now, teaming up in blockbuster movies and high-rating TV series, acquiring massive fan bases across diverse audiences and reaping significant endorsements left and right. 

“KathNiel” by their beaming fans, was recently spotted hanging around online, in what’s known to be the latest free instant messenger to take the country by storm - KakaoTalk. 

In ABS-CBN 2’s kilig-serye “Got to Believe,” Chichay and Joaquin, (Kathryn and Daniel’s characters, respectively) are seen exchanging emoticons to express their warmth for each other. At 29.7% national TV ratings (as reported by Kantar Media/TNS on February 12 and 13.), “Got to Believe” downright dominates its timeslot with the right mix of a good plot, an amazing play of cast and innovative audience offerings. 

Like KathNiel, KakaoTalk is all about being fun, fresh and exciting. It is perfect for those who are in love, whether young or old. If you want to be unlimitedly reachable to your special someone, KakaoTalk assures you reliable messaging without having to spend all your allowances. Moreover, KakaoTalk has a wide range of emoticons that will surely capture anything you want to say to your special someone.

Teenagers can take advantage of KakaoTalk’s features like free messaging and calls, voice messages, adorable emoticons and photo sharing. With these features teenagers can surely be updated with their friends whenever and wherever they go. KakaoTalk is everything you need. 

Like Chichay and Joaquin’s s love for each other, it’s fun, it’s spirited, and more importantly, it’s free!

KakaoTalk is available in iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Bada and PC. For more information, visit KakaoTalk’s website at http://www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

How many ways can you say Happy Heart’s Day? KakaoTalk shows you how.

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It’s that time of year when everything is filled with heart shaped candy, flowers, and dinners at fancy places are getting fully booked. Everyone has already geared up to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

So, whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not, there are still ways to celebrate the “most romantic holiday”.

Expressing your love becomes much easier with the advent of new technology. Now, people are on the hunt to find better and more creative ways to get their message across.

Still in the dark about how to get your message across? Impress your girlfriend, boyfriend, friend or parents, by sending them a personalized greeting on KakaoTalk, the number one Social Networking App in the iOS App Store.

Love knows no bounds – It’s no secret that long distance relationships are a bit harder to maintain. This is why couples rely on technology, such as messaging apps, to help them stay connected at minimal cost.

KakaoTalk is best known for its free chat and call feature. The free app especially helpful for those in long-distance relationships because it allows you to make calls and send unlimited messages across the globe.

Group love – You can create groups with up to five members for group calls, which makes keeping in touch so much easier. 

Don’t have a girlfriend/ boyfriend to celebrate?

Don’t worry – find your own fun with your best buddies, and organize a guys/girls night out in an instant! Plus, KakaoTalk is also the worlds’ first to provide free group calls in HD quality, meaning your voice calls will be clearer than ever!

Show your emoticons with action – As body language helps verbal communication, actions on emoticons help deliver fuller and deeper emotions.

KakaoTalk exclusively offers hundreds of moving emoticons that will help expand your breadth of expressions.

They’re also so much more enjoyable to see, and the dancing emoticons are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Get help from Kakao Friends – Kakao is also the only place where you will be able to meet Apeach, Jay-G, Frodo and Neo who will help send your message across.

If words aren’t enough to express your emotions, the mischievous Apeach is here to help you. Bursting with energy, Apeach’s infectious charm ensures a fun time filled with adventure.

To impress your date, ask help from the cool and collected Jay-G. Known for his signature sunglasses and afro, Jay-G is image of a calm, cool-headed and professional dude who is really as clumsy as a bear, has the heart of a pussycat and is hungry for affection.

You can also take your cue from Frodo and Neo, two complete opposites, who despite their differences, always manage to find a way to settle things.

Frodo is a wealthy and spoiled city dog with a small inferioirity complex but a happy-go-lucky attitude. He takes the time to enjoy life, even if it’s something as simple as savoring his morning coffee. On the other side, we have Neo, who is the love of Frodo’s life. Neo is a prim and self-oriented cat who is very self-centered and is obsessed with her bob cut wig. This couple can help you express your affections and make peace with your friends.

Make date planning easier – KakaoTalk’s location sharing feature allows you to share your location or a location of choice to your friends. Simply slide out the hidden menu, click on ‘location’ and designate the location information you want to share. Instead of having to type in difficult directions or opening up a separate app, Kakao allows users to send your location, with address, direction and all, with a single tap. As it makes use of your smartphone’s default map, you never have to worry about your friend not having the same map app for proper view.

“The celebration doesn’t have to be all hearts and flowers. KakaoTalk’s features allow you to get your message across – no matter how simple or how far. We take messaging to the new heights by making them interactive, fun and customizable to fit your mood. Plus, KakaoTalk is very user friendly so anyone can use it!,” says Jean Lee, country head of KakaoTalk Philippines.

KakaoTalk is also running a Valentine’s treat on Facebook and Twitter! You just need to use KakaoTalk’s Valentine’s e-cards and you may get a chance to win an iPad Air! For details, please like www.facebook.com/kakaotalkph and follow @kakaotalkph on Twitter. 

KakaoTalk is available on the iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Bada, Nokia Asha and PC. For more information, visit KakaoTalk’s website at http://www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

About Kakao Corp.

Kakao Corporation is the provider of KakaoTalk, a mobile messaging application and global mobile social platform based in South Korea. Since the launch of its app in 2010, Kakao has solidified its position as a leader in the mobile industry, expanding its service beyond messaging to a social platform encompassing games, digital contents, marketing, commerce and more. KakaoTalk currently has more than 133 million registered users from 230 countries, and as many as 5.2 billion messages are delivered every day in form of text, photos, video and voice. As a global, cross-platform application, it is available in 14 languages, on Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha and Bada OS. Kakao’s mission is to build a symbiotic mobile ecosystem at the global scale, offering a mobile social platform that provides win-win solutions for users and third-party partners alike. For more information, visit www.kakao.com.ph