3 Minutes
Alibaba has officially entered the smart glasses race with Quark, a new wearable line launched in China that promises a standout feature: a removable dual battery system. The product arrives in two distinct models aimed at different users, and Alibaba is positioning Quark as an AI-powered companion for everyday life.
Two models, one bold idea
Quark ships in two variants: the flagship S1 and the lifestyle-focused G1. Both come in multiple colors and lens options, but the S1 stands apart with transparent micro‑OLED displays. The company says the main hardware difference is the type of lenses and display technologies used, while both models share core sensors and AI capabilities.
Key specs and smart features
Under the frame, Quark glasses include a built-in camera, microphones, and an interchangeable dual battery system that Alibaba claims can provide up to 24 hours of charge. On the software side, the glasses leverage Alibaba's Qwen AI model for on-device processing and link to a companion app for setup and control. Interaction is simple: voice commands or a touch-enabled temple let you call up features instantly.
- Dual removable batteries with hot-swap capability (up to 24 hours claimed)
- Built-in camera and microphones for capture and voice control
- S1 model: transparent micro‑OLED displays
- AI powered by Qwen, managed through an app
What Quark can do for you
Alibaba plans to integrate Quark with major services across its ecosystem. Expect Alipay and Taobao connectivity for shopping and payments, plus music access through QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. Practical features include real-time translation, price recognition for products seen through the camera, turn-by-turn navigation, and meeting transcription — tools aimed at both shoppers and mobile professionals.
When and where — price and rollout
Bloomberg reports a global release is slated for next year, although Alibaba hasn’t finalized target markets. Pricing in China starts at 3,799 CNY (about $537) for the S1 and 1,899 CNY (about $268) for the G1. Those figures place Quark competitively in the growing category of AI eyewear.
Why this matters in the AI wearables race
Many tech companies see smart glasses as the next mainstream AI device. Alibaba’s Quark signals the company's intent to compete with established players — Meta’s Ray-Ban line is already a frontrunner, and Apple and high-profile projects backed by figures like Sam Altman and Jony Ive are also targeting this space. What sets Quark apart is the removable battery design, which addresses a common pain point: limited runtime in visually rich, always-on wearables.
Whether Quark will sway mainstream buyers depends on real-world battery performance, ecosystem integrations beyond China, and how comfortable users feel wearing AI hardware in everyday life. For now, Alibaba has delivered an intriguing entry: familiar eyewear form factor, ambitious AI features, and a practical twist on power management.
Leave a Comment