Alibaba's Answer to ChatGPT? Qianwen AI App Launches in Public Beta

Just days after rumors of Alibaba's "Qianwen Project" surfaced, the company has officially launched the public beta of its Qianwen app. Built on the world-leading open-source model Qwen3, this new personal AI assistant aims not just to be smart, but to be a tool that actively "gets things done" for its users.

Qianwen AI App

To see how this newcomer stacks up, we conducted a few simple tests comparing Qianwen with ChatGPT. The first was a classic logic puzzle: "There are three lights inside a room and three switches outside. How can you determine which switch controls which light by only entering the room once?" Both AIs correctly identified the solution involving the heat of the lightbulb. While Qianwen's answer was slightly more detailed, both grasped the core logic, making this round a draw.

The second test, "Explain why raw and cooked foods require different cutting boards and utensils," revealed a significant gap. ChatGPT provided a standard, somewhat generic answer about cross-contamination pulled from its knowledge base. Qianwen, however, showcased impressive proactive search capabilities, citing 14 authoritative sources and supplementing its detailed response with relevant images and articles. This round was a clear win for Qianwen.

The final challenge was a difficult coding task: create a fully functional Game Boy emulator in a single HTML file, complete with classic games and controls. Neither AI perfectly accomplished this highly complex request. Qianwen produced a visually impressive interface that captured the Game Boy aesthetic, while ChatGPT's version was visually basic but had partially running (though incomplete) game logic. Given the extreme difficulty, this round was also considered a draw.

Qwen vs ChatGPT


▲ Left: Qwen, Right: ChatGPT

These tests highlight a divergence in strategy. While ChatGPT focuses on a standalone subscription and API model, Chinese AI assistants are leaning into ecosystem integration. This "AI+X" approach connects AI with e-commerce, social media, and content creation, creating value beyond subscriptions. Lacking the built-in user base of rivals backed by apps like WeChat or Douyin, Qianwen must differentiate itself with a superior product experience.

Qianwen AI App

Although Alibaba's AI efforts have historically focused on the B2B sector, the Qianwen app signals a serious move into the consumer space. Its window of opportunity may be narrow, but a vast global market of users deterred by ChatGPT's price or complexity exists. By offering a more accessible and user-friendly alternative, Qianwen could carve out a significant niche. Ultimately, the entry of another strong competitor into the global AI arena is a positive development for all users.

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