Alibaba has unveiled its new Quark AI glasses in China, marking its entry into the growing AI wearables market. Prices start at 1,899 yuan ($268.25). The glasses are powered by Alibaba’s Qwen AI model and companion app.
Unlike traditional VR headsets from companies like Meta, the Quark AI glasses resemble normal eyewear with a sleek black plastic frame. Alibaba says the glasses will integrate closely with its apps, including Alipay and Taobao. Users can perform tasks such as instant translation, price recognition, and on-the-go shopping assistance.
“Alibaba’s strengths are shopping, payments, and navigation, so its AI glasses function more like a life assistant,” said Li Chengdong, a Beijing-based electronics industry analyst. The launch comes as Alibaba seeks to catch up with rivals in the consumer AI space, following a major upgrade to its AI chatbot earlier this month.
Li noted that Alibaba’s strategy with Quark AI glasses focuses on capturing future traffic and attention amid stiff competition in China’s e-commerce market. “Alibaba is not a monopoly in e-commerce,” he said. “It hopes AI can help it secure the next-generation traffic gateway.”
The Quark AI glasses are available on major Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin. Sales data is not yet available as the product officially launched on Thursday.
The global race for AI-powered devices is intensifying. Meta dominates the VR headset market with about 80% share, while Apple sells its Vision Pro headset and Samsung recently released its Galaxy XR with AI features from Google.
In China, other tech companies are also developing AI glasses. Xiaomi introduced its product in June, and Baidu already has a similar AI-powered headset available. Alibaba’s Quark AI glasses aim to compete in this growing sector by combining everyday convenience with artificial intelligence.
The launch of Quark AI glasses shows Alibaba’s commitment to expanding its presence in AI wearables while exploring new ways to integrate technology into daily life.
In other news read more about: Meta Unveils AI-Powered Smart Glasses, VR Headset, Chatbots
