Alibaba Unveils Quark AI Smart Glasses, a Potential Game-Changer for Meta's Ray-Bans

Alibaba has officially entered the smart glasses market with the launch of its AI-powered Quark AI glasses, which are being positioned as a strong competitor to Meta’s Ray-Bans. The announcement followed weeks of speculation, and the new product closely mirrors Meta’s design, offering features such as calling, audio processing, translation, and a built-in camera for taking photos. Despite these similarities, Alibaba claims its glasses bring unique advantages that could give them an edge over U.S. rivals. Quark AI was first showcased at WAIC 2025 in Shanghai, where Alibaba highlighted several key technical specifications. The glasses are powered by the Qwen model series and feature a Qualcomm AR1 + low-power dual system chip. They also integrate deeply with Alibaba’s ecosystem, including Alipay, Taobao, and Amap, services that Meta lacks access to. This integration could unlock features that are not available in Meta’s current offerings, such as mobile payment capabilities through QR code scanning. Like Xiaomi’s recent smart glasses, Quark AI allows users to scan a QR code with the built-in camera and confirm payments via a voice assistant, streamlining the process and making it more seamless. Alibaba also emphasized that its glasses are 40% slimmer than existing models, addressing a common criticism of current smart glasses that often appear bulky or intrusive. This design improvement could make the product more appealing to consumers who prioritize style and comfort. Beyond payments, Alibaba is aiming to enhance the functionality of its smart glasses by integrating navigation features more directly. While Meta’s Ray-Bans allow users to receive navigation instructions via Bluetooth audio from their phones, Alibaba’s glasses may offer native GPS support, enabling users to request directions through voice commands without needing to rely on a separate device. This level of integration could significantly improve the user experience and make the glasses feel more intuitive and intelligent. Despite these promising features, many details about Quark AI remain unclear. The product’s final price, camera quality, battery life, and other technical specifications have not yet been disclosed. However, the potential for advanced, user-friendly functionality is evident, especially given Alibaba’s access to a vast consumer base and its extensive tech infrastructure. Alibaba’s move into the smart glasses space highlights the growing competition in the AI hardware market, where Chinese tech companies are rapidly advancing. If the Quark AI lives up to its early promises, it could challenge Meta’s dominance in the sector, particularly as the company continues to refine its third-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses. With its strong ecosystem and design improvements, Alibaba’s new product represents a significant step forward in the evolution of smart eyewear.