AI services are taking center stage, with major firms adopting the technology to enhance their operations. This time, Alibaba, China’s leading tech and e-commerce company, has taken the credit by launching an AI chatbot service and carving out its own niche.
The new AI chatbot did not come out of thin air. It is backed by Alibaba’s Quark app, a browser that was refreshed as an AI-super assistant app in March 2025. In other words, the new AI chatbot is integrated into the Quark app.
Users can freely access the chatbot solution, initiate textual and voice conversations, and access real-time information and services, as reported by Reuters news agency.
AI Chatbot: From enterprise-focused to consumer-centric services
Alibaba’s new AI Chatbot service is shifting its focus to serve consumers rather than targeting enterprise or cloud-oriented applications as before. The tech firm has previously launched multiple AI services, including,
- Qwen or Tongyi AI assistant — Large Language Model (LLM)
- ModelScope and Model Studio — AI development tools and platforms
- AliGenie — Voice assistant platform
All these AI solutions have been fueled by Alibaba Cloud, which was founded in 2009.
Competition heats up in AI
The world is being revolutionized by countless AI services, with those from mega tech firms standing out. Alibaba’s new AI service is not the first of its kind, as ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, and Tencent, one of the leading Chinese internet conglomerates, are already in the field, rowing their boats to success.
As per the latest reports, ByteDance’s private market value stands at nearly $300 billion, whereas Tencent roughly holds $410 billion in market cap. However, Alibaba’s value is relatively low, hovering between $185 – $200 billion.
In terms of active users in September, Alibaba had 6.96 million monthly active users, which is low compared to ByteDance Doubao’s (AI chatbot) 150 million and Tencent’s 64.2 million users.
Alibaba’s data center in Dubai
On October 17, Alibaba Cloud announced the launch of its second data center in Dubai at GITEX Global 2025 as a “response to the growing demand for cloud computing and AI services from local businesses.” The firm’s first data center was launched in the emirate back in 2016.
Alibaba’s climate-smart solution
Amid the AI push comes Alibaba Cloud’s joint venture to protect Chinese cities from extreme heat. The tech firm recently united with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), an intergovernmental alliance, and the research institute Shanghai Haina Academy of Engineering (Haina) to help cities manage looming heat.
