Alibaba Enters AI Wearables Race with Quark Smart Glasses
Alibaba Group has launched its Quark smart glasses in China, marking its first major foray into AI-powered consumer hardware. The device, priced from 1,899 yuan ($268), resembles standard eyewear but integrates Alibaba’s proprietary Qwen AI model—the same system behind its recently upgraded chatbot.
The glasses prioritize utility over gimmickry, linking directly to Alibaba’s ecosystem including Taobao and Alipay. Functions include real-time price scanning, speech translation, and on-the-go information access—positioning the product as a tool for daily productivity rather than entertainment.
This MOVE signals Alibaba’s attempt to catch up in consumer AI, a sector where rivals have led. By controlling both hardware and AI stack, the company aims to deepen user engagement within its digital ecosystem.
