Khaberni - Alibaba has announced the launch of its new smart glasses, Quark AI Glasses, in a bold move to expand its presence in the market of consumer electronics reliant on artificial intelligence, amid fierce competition from major global technology companies.
Two versions to meet different needs
Quark smart glasses are available in two main versions:
- S1 with a starting price of 3799 yuan (about 536 dollars).
- G1 with a price of only 1899 yuan.
Alibaba indicates that the main difference between the two versions lies in the type of screen used, according to a report published by CNBC network.
AI integrated in the lenses
The glasses rely on Alibaba’s AI models Qwen, the Chinese version of ChatGPT, which is connected to the new Qwen application.
This technology allows users to control the glasses using voice commands to perform multiple tasks, and the lenses also function as mini-screens.
The glasses include a camera built into the frame, enabling the user to take pictures and analyze them, for instance, when photographing a product, the glasses immediately display its price on the Taobao shopping app.
Multiple functions enhance productivity
Quark glasses offer a range of practical features, some of the most prominent include:
- On-the-go instant translation.
- Automatic generation of meeting notes through artificial intelligence.
- The ability to ask questions to the virtual assistant.
- Identifying product prices immediately upon photographing them.
These features enable a more interactive user experience, making the glasses an essential daily tool for both professionals and consumers alike.
Through these glasses, Alibaba aims to compete with global companies, especially Meta, which launched in last September the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses priced at $799, featuring a built-in display and gesture control capability using a special bracelet.
Alibaba plans to first launch Quark glasses in the Chinese market, where it faces local competition from companies such as Xiaomi and Xreal.
Fast-growing market
According to predictions by research firm Omdia, shipments of AI glasses will exceed 10 million units by 2026, doubling the forecast for 2025, reflecting rapid growth in this sector.
For Alibaba, Quark glasses represent one of its latest steps in the consumer AI market, following the significant success of the Qwen app, which recorded 10 million downloads in the first week of its trial launch.
The company’s cloud computing activity, which represents a significant part of its AI revenues, saw accelerated growth during the last quarter, enhancing its ability to expand in this new sector.
