Alibaba has introduced its new Qwen Glasses N1 series, expanding its presence in the AI-powered wearable market and taking on Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. The new devices combine advanced cameras, AI assistance, translation tools, health monitoring and payment features, bringing Alibaba’s Qwen AI technology into everyday use.
The lineup includes 2 models, the N1 and N1 Pro. Both feature a 50-megapixel camera, support 4K video recording and offer Live Photos and multi-mode image stabilisation. Integrated Qwen AI applications provide real-time translation, AI-powered note-taking, meeting transcription and travel reminders.
The glasses run on a tri-core computing platform and use bone-conduction microphones to support voice interactions with the AI assistant. They also integrate shopping and payment services from Alibaba’s wider digital ecosystem.
Battery performance is another key feature. Both models use a dual-battery design with replaceable batteries in the glasses’ temples. The standard N1 offers up to 9 hours of battery life, while the N1 Pro provides up to 8 hours. Both models can deliver up to 25 hours of standby time.
The N1 Pro offers additional features, including eye-tracking interaction, iris-based payment authentication and health monitoring. Its sensors can track heart rate, blood oxygen levels and skin temperature, with AI-generated insights based on the collected data. The standard N1 focuses on video recording and core AI functions without eye tracking, iris scanning or health monitoring.
In China, reported launch prices start at 2,218 yuan for the N1 and 2,600 yuan for the N1 Pro. These are subsidised prices, with higher-priced configurations offering additional battery-related benefits. Bloomberg has reported that the series starts at 2,999 yuan, or approximately $450, before discounts.
The launch increases Alibaba’s competition with Meta, which has expanded its Ray-Ban smart glasses range and integrated its AI assistant into consumer devices. While Meta’s glasses combine cameras, microphones and AI assistance, Alibaba is highlighting features such as iris-based payments, health tracking and shopping integration.
The launch also supports Alibaba’s broader strategy to build an integrated AI business covering large language models, chatbot applications, AI chips and consumer hardware. The Qwen glasses offer another way for users to access its AI technology beyond smartphones and chatbots.
Alongside the glasses, Alibaba has begun selling Qwen Clip AI earbuds developed with Bose. Priced at 1,299 yuan, the earbuds provide another wearable option for accessing Qwen’s AI capabilities.
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