Alibaba's smart glasses feature swappable dual batteries for up to 24‑hour use
Alibaba is stepping into a crowded market where most wearables promise a day’s worth of power but often fall short when users push them beyond casual use. The company’s latest prototype tackles that pain point head‑on, swapping out the typical single‑cell design for a pair of removable packs that can be hot‑swapped without powering down the device. In theory, a user could charge one set while the other keeps the glasses running, stretching real‑world usage to a full 24‑hour cycle.
The hardware is paired with Alibaba’s own Qwen AI model and a companion app, allowing commands to be issued by voice or a simple tap. By bundling these capabilities, the firm hints at a more seamless integration with everyday tasks—something that could set its offering apart from rivals still wrestling with bulkier batteries and limited interaction modes. Here’s the thing: the specs that follow spell out exactly how the pieces fit together.
Both have bone conduction microphones, built-in cameras, and a "swappable dual-battery system" that "delivers up to 24 hours of battery life." They're powered by Alibaba's AI model Qwen and a linked app, meaning they can be controlled via voice or touch. Alibaba said the glasses will be integrated with its apps like Alipay and Taobao, as well as music streaming platforms like QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. They'll be able to provide services like on-the-go translation, instant price recognition, navigation support, and meeting transcription.
International models will be available next year, according to Bloomberg, but those markets haven't been identified. The glasses mark an effort to crack the market for AI-powered wearables tech companies bet could be the next big consumer gadget.
Can a removable battery really extend usage? Alibaba’s Quark AI glasses arrive with a removable dual‑battery design that the company says can sustain up to 24 hours of use. Both the S1 and its sibling model feature bone‑conduction microphones and built‑in cameras, and they rely on Alibaba’s Qwen AI model together with a companion app for voice or touch commands.
The claim of a full day without recharging is appealing, yet no independent testing has been disclosed, leaving the real‑world endurance unclear. Moreover, the article does not detail how quickly a battery can be swapped or whether the lenses retain calibration after a change. Integration with the app is promised, but the extent of functionality—such as notification handling or third‑party service support—remains unspecified.
The hardware specifications are straightforward, but without performance data the practical value of the swappable system is uncertain. In short, the Quark AI glasses introduce a novel battery approach, though whether it translates into a noticeable advantage for users is still to be demonstrated.
Further Reading
- Quark Glasses vs Meta — The Battle for Smart Wearables Begins - DrTech
- Alibaba Just Crashed the AI Glasses Party--and It's Not Playing Small - GuruFocus
- Product Hunt - AI Tools - Product Hunt
- There's An AI For That - TAAFT
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Common Questions Answered
How does Alibaba's swappable dual‑battery system enable up to 24‑hour usage in its smart glasses?
The glasses contain two removable battery packs that can be hot‑swapped without shutting down the device, allowing one pack to be charged while the other powers the glasses. This continuous power supply lets users theoretically achieve a full 24‑hour cycle of operation.
What AI model powers Alibaba’s Quark AI glasses and how can users interact with it?
The glasses are powered by Alibaba’s Qwen AI model, which works together with a companion app to process voice and touch commands. Users can control functions such as translation, music playback, and app integration through voice or touch inputs.
Which Alibaba services and third‑party platforms are integrated into the S1 and its sibling smart glasses?
The devices integrate Alibaba’s own services like Alipay and Taobao, as well as music streaming platforms QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. These integrations enable payments, shopping, and media playback directly from the glasses.
What hardware features besides the dual‑battery system are included in Alibaba’s smart glasses?
Both the S1 and its sibling model include bone‑conduction microphones for hands‑free audio capture and built‑in cameras for visual recording. These components support functions such as on‑the‑go translation and real‑time video capture.