TLDR
- Alibaba released Quark AI Glasses on Thursday with S1 priced at $536 and G1 at $217
- Devices integrate Qwen AI models with voice control, translation, and smart shopping features
- S1 includes micro-OLED displays while G1 offers basic functionality at lower cost
- Available across 600+ Chinese stores, global launch set for 2026
- AI glasses market projected to reach 10 million units by 2026
Alibaba unveiled its Quark AI Glasses Thursday, launching two models at 3,799 yuan ($536) for the S1 and 1,899 yuan ($217) for the G1. The release represents the company’s first push into consumer wearable technology.
The glasses were previewed in July before going on sale through Tmall, JD.com, and ByteDance’s Douyin platform. Both models utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 platform with neural processing capabilities for AI functions.
The S1 variant includes micro-OLED displays built into the lenses. The G1 strips out this display technology, creating a more affordable entry point.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited, BABA
Voice commands drive all operations through integration with Alibaba’s Qwen AI models. The Qwen app, which connects to the glasses, pulled 10 million downloads during its first week of availability.
Physical specs include cameras in the frames, bone conduction microphones, and replaceable batteries rated for 24-hour operation. The glasses weigh less than traditional smart eyewear while maintaining full functionality.
Feature Set and Ecosystem Connections
Real-time translation works across multiple languages for travel and business use. The AI generates meeting transcriptions automatically during conversations.
The camera system lets users photograph any product. The glasses then search Taobao and display current pricing directly in the lenses.
Alibaba linked its major services to the device. Taobao shopping, Fliggy travel bookings, and Alipay transactions all function through the glasses interface.
Music streaming comes via partnerships with NetEase and Tencent. Both NetEase Cloud Music and QQ Music play through the bone conduction audio system.
Distribution and Competition
The S1 hit shelves immediately in over 600 locations spanning 82 Chinese cities. International models will ship in 2026 through AliExpress and regional partners.
China’s smart glasses sector moved 1.6 million units through September. Xiaomi captured roughly 33% of those sales.
Including display-enabled models pushes the total past 2 million units. Startups like Even Realities and Xreal have flooded the Chinese market over the last 12 months.
Meta launched its $799 Ray-Ban Display glasses in September with integrated screens and gesture controls via wristband. The higher price point targets premium buyers willing to pay for advanced features.
Omdia projects worldwide AI glasses shipments will cross 10 million units in 2026. That figure doubles expected 2025 volumes as adoption accelerates.
IDC’s Sophie Pan noted Alibaba’s entry reshapes competitive dynamics in Chinese smart eyewear. The company brings substantial resources and ecosystem advantages to the category.
CEO Eddie Wu highlighted strong retention rates for the Qwen app this week. Alibaba folded Qwen into its Quark browser before expanding to wearables.
Cloud computing revenue, where Alibaba books AI earnings, grew faster last quarter. The Hangzhou-based company competes with Baidu and Tencent for AI leadership in China.
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