Overview
- The new unit consolidates the Qwen chatbot app, Quark assistant and cloud drive, UC Browser, the Shuqi reading platform, and AI hardware lines under one leader.
- It combines Alibaba’s former Intelligent Information and Intelligent Connectivity groups, the latter of which runs TmallGenie smart speakers and the company’s AI glasses.
- Alibaba says the top priority is to turn Qwen into a cross‑device super app for phones, PCs, glasses, and cars.
- The Qwen app was relaunched in November and the company reports more than 10 million first‑week downloads, though it has not disclosed MAU, DAU, or revenue metrics.
- Reporting indicates Alibaba has explored Nvidia H200 purchases, yet limited supply and unsettled import permissions pose risks, while analysts question monetisation and opaque API pricing.