Yahoo Japan Expands AI Chat to Desktop After Mobile Launch

Tokyo, Japan - LINE Yahoo Corp introduced an AI Assistant feature on the desktop version of Yahoo! JAPAN's homepage on Thursday, extending a chat-based search function that launched on the site's mobile application in April.

Users access the feature by clicking an icon next to the search box on the homepage.

The system accepts conversational queries, including requests for party planning suggestions or hypothetical questions about animal communication, the company said.

The chat interface displays example questions based on seasonal topics and current events.

The homepage also shows AI-generated tips and general information in its upper-left section, with links directing users to the chat function for additional details.

The system runs on Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform, according to the company.

LINE Yahoo restricts usage for individuals under 13 and requires Yahoo! JAPAN ID authentication for open-ended queries.

Content appears during specific daily time periods, the company stated.

LINE Yahoo stated that it plans to customize displayed messages according to user preferences and circumstances.

The feature is part of LINE Yahoo's initiative to integrate AI capabilities across its services.

The company stated it aims to incorporate generative AI technology into Yahoo! JAPAN's homepage to align services with user activities.

LINE Yahoo specified that it does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of AI-generated responses. The service operates under existing company terms and AI-specific usage guidelines.

The messaging content is limited to particular hours each day.

The company indicated that future development will focus on personalizing information based on individual user data and specific situations.