Naver has unveiled key technologies used in its conversational AI search service AI Tab, which it launched on June 25. At a tech session in Seoul, it introduced a specialised lightweight model based on HyperCLOVA X, an operating framework called harness engineering, and Smart Lens-based multimodal technology. Executives said AI Tab must deliver conversational answers every time a user selects the tab, requiring high quality, speed, cost efficiency and stability at scale.

Banks are moving to curb surging token costs as they expand the use of artificial intelligence, after AI pricing models shifted from subscriptions to token-based billing. Executives at several banks have publicly flagged the growing burden. Banks are reassessing which models to apply to which tasks, opting for older or smaller models where possible. They are also considering open-source options, reusing stored answers and expanding in-house computing infrastructure. Some tasks may remain cheaper to handle with people.