KT said on Oct. 16 it launched RaiDIO Biz, an AI-based in-store music service, as a mobile value-added service in cooperation with AI spatial music platform operator Aplays.

RaiDIO Biz offers music playback, announcement broadcasts and customer management functions for small businesses such as cafes, restaurants, hair salons and hospitals. It supports running music suited to a store’s atmosphere without specialised music knowledge or equipment.

AI analyses factors including business type, time of day, season and weather to automatically recommend and play music suited to a store. It can change the mood of music based on customer visit patterns by time of day, and also offers scheduled broadcasts for operating hours guidance and event promotion.

It also includes store promotion and regular customer management functions. When an owner registers store information, that information is shown to users of the RaiDIO music app. If a store places a QR sticker, visiting customers can also use a guestbook function that allows them to leave a record.

The monthly fee is 9,900 won including value-added tax. Users can subscribe on KT.com or the My KT app and then use it through a dedicated app or the web. Charges are added to KT mobile bills, and the service can be used without a separate music licensing contract. KT also offers up to 3 months of free use for new subscribers.

Son Jeong-yeop (손정엽), head of the Device Business Division at KT's Customer Division, said he expects RaiDIO Biz to help improve management efficiency for small business owners. He said KT will continue to strengthen services that help small merchants run their businesses, including operations, marketing and customer management.