Alibaba has created a new unit to promote consumer adoption of its Qwen AI models. This significant organizational change aims to transform the Qwen chatbot into a 'super app' for use in scenarios including glasses, personal computers, and cars.
The move marks a significant organizational change at Alibaba to promote consumer use of its AI offerings after securing a dominant position in open-source models for developers. The new division combines the former Intelligent Information Business Group with the Intelligent Connectivity Business Group, the latter of which oversees consumer hardware such as the TmallGenie smart speaker and Alibaba’s AI glasses, both run by Wu Jia.
The free, multipurpose Qwen can answer queries, transcribe audio, generate photos and videos, conduct research, and produce slide decks. It notched more than 10 million downloads in its first week of public beta, outpacing early uptake of ChatGPT and DeepSeek when they were launched, according to Alibaba.
This change underscores Alibaba’s determination to turn the Qwen chatbot into an accessible 'super app' for everyday scenarios. By integrating hardware and software, the unit aims to embed Qwen seamlessly into devices like glasses, PCs, and cars.