ALIBABA
Alibaba just turned glasses into shopping machines
Alibaba has launched its new AI-powered smart glasses in China as part of its push into consumer AI.
The Quark AI Glasses come in two models: the S1, priced at 3,799 yuan ($536), and the cheaper G1 at 1,899 yuan.
The glasses use Alibaba’s Qwen AI and connect to the Qwen app, allowing users to control features with their voice.
The lenses work as built-in screens, and a camera is placed in the frame. Alibaba says the main difference between the two models is the display quality.
The glasses offer live translation, AI-written meeting notes, and a built-in virtual assistant for questions.
Users can also scan items with the camera and see prices directly from Taobao, Alibaba’s main shopping app in China.
Like competitors such as Meta, Alibaba believes smart glasses could become the next major consumer device after smartphones.
Meta recently released its $799 Ray-Ban Display glasses, controlled through hand gestures and a wristband.
Alibaba’s glasses are being released in China first and will compete with local brands such as Xiaomi and startup Xreal.
Here’s what you should know:
Alibaba has launched two new AI smart glasses at different price points.
The glasses combine displays, cameras, voice control, and shopping tools.
The AI glasses market is still early but is expected to grow quickly.
While the market is still small, it is growing quickly. Omdia expects global shipments of AI glasses to pass 10 million units by 2026.
The launch follows recent growth in Alibaba’s consumer AI products.
The Qwen app reached 10 million downloads in its first week of public testing, and its cloud business also saw faster growth last quarter.
Based in Hangzhou, Alibaba continues to invest heavily in AI alongside companies such as Baidu and Tencent.
Yes okay, the future is wearable, but do you have a 16 year old cousin that begs for this on Christmas?! RIP wallet. - MG