The global race to develop AI-powered wearable devices has become the latest battleground for technology companies seeking platforms beyond smartphones. Alibaba has entered this space with the launch of its Quark AI glasses in China, a wearable powered by its Qwen AI model and designed to look like regular eyewear while integrating Alipay and Taobao—transforming payments and shopping into hands-free experiences.
The Quark AI glasses are priced starting at 1,899 yuan (approximately USD $268), marking Alibaba’s attempt to break into a wearables market currently dominated by Meta. Unlike Meta’s bulkier VR-focused headsets, Quark glasses feature a minimalist black plastic frame aimed at users who want AI functionality without drawing attention.
The glasses integrate seamlessly with Alibaba’s ecosystem, including Alipay for digital payments and Taobao, its massive e-commerce marketplace. Users can access real-time translation, instant price recognition, navigation tools, and product information—turning physical world shopping into an extension of the online retail experience. More AI news can be found here:
👉 https://www.tlogies.net/search/label/AI%20News
How Alibaba Leverages Its Strength in Commerce
Industry analyst Li Chengdong explains that Alibaba’s strength lies in shopping, payments, and navigation—making the Quark AI glasses function more like a life assistant rather than purely a tech novelty. The device aims to increase user engagement across Alibaba’s services rather than compete directly with Meta’s virtual reality ambitions.
Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu said the company has seen exceptional user retention since the launch. The move arrives as Alibaba seeks to regain ground in China’s competitive AI and consumer tech market after falling behind rivals.
Earlier this month, Alibaba also unveiled a major upgrade to its AI chatbot as part of its renewed push in artificial intelligence. According to Li, AI glasses may become critical future traffic entry points in China’s intensely competitive e-commerce landscape, where Alibaba faces persistent pressure from JD.com and Douyin—the Chinese version of TikTok, which has rapidly grown into a powerful shopping platform.
As Li notes, “Alibaba is not a monopoly in e-commerce. It hopes AI can help it secure the next-generation traffic gateway.”
Competition Intensifies in AI Wearables
The AI wearable market is heating up globally. Meta dominates with roughly an 80% market share in VR headsets, while Apple’s Vision Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy XR—powered by Google AI—offer high-priced alternatives. In China, multiple manufacturers have entered the AI glasses race, including Xiaomi and Baidu.
Despite the surge of interest, the market is still small compared to smartphones, and it remains uncertain whether consumers will adopt AI glasses at scale.
Available on Major Chinese Platforms
The Quark AI glasses are now available for purchase on Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin. Sales numbers have not yet been released since the product only launched on Thursday.
Alibaba’s entry into wearables reflects its search for growth beyond e-commerce as momentum slows and competition intensifies. The tight integration with Alipay and Taobao suggests the glasses are designed to keep users within Alibaba’s digital ecosystem rather than serve as a standalone hardware product.
