Alibaba’s Smart Glasses Feature Removable Batteries
▼ Summary
– Alibaba launched its Quark AI smart glasses in China on Thursday, entering the competitive AI-powered wearable market.
– The glasses feature a swappable dual-battery system that provides up to 24 hours of battery life, distinguishing them from competitors.
– Two variants are available: the flagship S1 with clear micro-OLED displays and the lifestyle-focused G1, priced from $537 and $268 respectively.
– Powered by Alibaba’s Qwen AI model, the glasses offer voice and touch control, translation, price recognition, navigation, and integration with apps like Alipay and music services.
– International models will be released next year, as Alibaba competes with companies like Meta and Apple in the growing AI wearables sector.
Alibaba has launched its new Quark AI smart glasses in China, featuring a standout swappable battery system designed for all-day use. This move places the Chinese technology powerhouse directly into the competitive arena of AI-powered wearables. The Quark line includes two distinct models: the flagship S1 and the more lifestyle-oriented G1, available in various colors and lens options. Pricing begins at 3,799 yuan (approximately $537) for the S1 and 1,899 yuan (around $268) for the G1. According to the company, the primary distinction lies in the lenses, with the S1 model incorporating clear micro-OLED displays for a sharper visual experience.
Both versions come equipped with bone conduction microphones, integrated cameras, and the innovative dual-battery system that users can easily replace. This feature is central to the product’s promise of delivering up to 24 hours of continuous operation. Powering the smart glasses is Alibaba’s proprietary Qwen artificial intelligence model, managed through a connected mobile application. Users can interact with the device through simple voice commands or touch controls, making for a seamless and intuitive user interface.
The functionality extends deeply into Alibaba’s own ecosystem and popular Chinese services. The glasses will integrate seamlessly with platforms like Alipay for payments and Taobao for shopping, alongside major music streaming services such as QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. Practical features include real-time language translation, instant product price recognition, turn-by-turn navigation assistance, and automated meeting transcription. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that international versions of the Quark glasses are planned for release next year, though the specific global markets have not yet been announced.
This product launch represents a significant bid to capture a share of the emerging market for AI wearables, a sector that many tech giants believe holds immense potential. Meta currently leads the pack with its Ray-Ban smart glasses, but the field is becoming increasingly crowded. Other major players, including Apple and a mysterious venture between Sam Altman and Jony Ive, are also aggressively developing their own competing devices, signaling a heated race to define the next must-have consumer gadget.
(Source: The Verge)
