Alibaba unveils new AI glasses

Alibaba's release of new smart glasses and AI earbuds represents a continued, though previously rare, foray into consumer electronics hardware. This move aligns with CEO Eddie Wu Yongming's stated ambition for the company to develop full-stack AI, encompassing large language models, chatbot applications, AI chips, and hardware.

The Qwen Glasses N1 series incorporates advanced cameras, sensors, and eye-tracking functions. Users can interact with an AI agent through bone-conduction microphones, and the glasses support shopping, payments, and health tracking. A Pro edition is also available at 3,499 yuan.

The new Qwen Clip AI earbuds were developed jointly with US headphone maker Bose. This collaboration indicates a strategy to combine Alibaba's AI capabilities with established audio hardware expertise. The pricing of both devices positions them in the consumer market, with the glasses being a more premium offering.

This hardware push is part of Alibaba's broader plan to invest proceeds from its recent HK$80 billion Hong Kong share sale into full-stack AI capabilities. These investments are intended for chips, infrastructure, and the development and deployment of AI models, aiming to extend its global AI leadership.