Alibaba to launch AI-powered glasses to rival Meta

Alibaba is gearing up to enter the smart wearables market with the launch of its AI-powered Quark Glasses, marking a significant expansion of its AI ambitions beyond software. Scheduled for release in China by the end of 2025, the Quark AI Glasses will be powered by the company’s proprietary Qwen large language model and the Quark AI assistant—currently available as a standalone app in China.

This move positions Alibaba alongside global tech giants like Meta, whose Ray-Ban smart glasses combine AI with augmented reality features. It also pits Alibaba against domestic rival Xiaomi, which recently launched its own version of AI-enabled eyewear. The growing interest in smart glasses reflects a broader industry belief that wearables could become the next major computing platform alongside smartphones.

The Quark AI Glasses will offer features such as hands-free calling, music streaming, real-time language translation, meeting transcription, and built-in navigation. They will also include a camera and integrate with Alibaba’s ecosystem of services—allowing users to navigate with Alibaba Maps, pay via Alipay, and compare prices on Taobao, the company’s e-commerce platform.

Though key specifications and pricing details are yet to be revealed, Alibaba’s entry into hardware signals its intent to control both the software and distribution channel for its AI assistant, potentially boosting user engagement and reinforcing its presence in the competitive AI landscape.

The Hangzhou-based tech giant is rapidly emerging as a leader in China’s AI race, launching cutting-edge models that aim to rival the likes of OpenAI. With Quark AI Glasses, Alibaba is setting the stage for a future where AI-driven wearables seamlessly integrate into daily life, commerce, and communication.