Alibaba’s Qwen app challenges AI subscription models with free access
The new app is designed to be a free-of-charge, comprehensive AI assistant in both professional and personal settings
Qwen, powered by Alibaba Cloud’s open-source model series of the same name and marketed as “the best personal AI assistant”, serves not only as a chatbot but also as a comprehensive AI tool designed to meet user needs in both professional and personal contexts, the company said on Monday.
Alibaba Cloud is the AI and cloud services unit of Hangzhou-based Alibaba, owner of the Post.
Available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play since Friday, Qwen is Alibaba’s latest initiative to make its AI capabilities widely accessible to consumers. The app quickly gained popularity, with high traffic on Monday causing some users to report service delays, according to posts on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo.
By making the app free of charge and integrating multiple services, Qwen challenges the subscription-based AI business model favoured by international competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic.
At home, Qwen directly competes with rivals like ByteDance’s Doubao, as well as Zhipu AI, which offers basic services for free but charge for premium access.
Alibaba Cloud has been registering trademarks for Qwen across various sectors, including education, entertainment, social services and finance.