In a remarkable shift in the landscape of artificial intelligence, Alibaba Group's mobile application Quark has emerged as the most popular AI application in China, surpassing popular platforms like Doubao, the local version of TikTok, and DeepSeek. According to analytical service Aicpb, Quark has achieved nearly 150 million active users per month globally, while Doubao and DeepSeek have attracted approximately 100 million and 77 million users, respectively. Previously, Alibaba had reported 200 million users across both mobile and desktop platforms.
Quark's meteoric rise in popularity can be attributed to its recent transformation from a cloud storage and search engine into a comprehensive AI assistant. In March 2025, Alibaba unveiled an updated version of Quark that operates on 'reasoning' models known as Qwen, which are designed to 'think' before responding to user queries. This innovative application features a straightforward search box interface, assisting users with a variety of tasks including academic research, document compilation, image generation, presentations, disease diagnosis, travel planning, and programming.
The multifunctionality of Quark is indicative of a broader trend among Chinese technology companies that are increasingly transforming their chatbots into 'super apps' to attract users amidst intensifying competition. ByteDance, for instance, is rapidly enhancing Doubao with new features that include internet information searches, text and image generation, and video creation capabilities. Meanwhile, Tencent has improved its Yuanbao chatbot, integrating it into WeChat and adding a gallery of various AI agents that autonomously perform tasks on behalf of users.
In another facet of AI adoption, logistics companies are increasingly turning to voice robots for customer interactions. A report from the Russian newspaper "Российская газета" highlights that while voice assistants were primarily utilized by large corporations in 2023, medium and small businesses are now adopting these technologies as well. Voice robots are being employed to confirm deliveries, adjust arrival times, track parcels, and optimize routes, according to Denis Balyura, founder of Tomoru.ru.
Modern AI assistants leverage neural networks that incorporate emotional nuances in speech, making them more difficult to distinguish from human operators. They are capable of understanding context better, remembering previous dialogues, and not only answering questions but also placing orders immediately. For example, in the Delovye Linii Group of Companies, a robot handles frequent inquiries about transportation status, while more complex questions are directed to human operators. Dmitry Khrushchalev, Deputy General Director of the company, notes that most clients have responded positively to this innovation.
However, the integration of AI in logistics has not been universally successful. Some companies have encountered challenges with voice assistants. Artem Vaskanyan, General Director of NC Logistic, mentions that due to changes in road conditions, delivery times often shift, necessitating manual clarification of details by dispatchers. In a contrasting approach, Skif-Cargo decided to abandon automation in client interactions. The company had introduced a robot named 'Dima' in 2020 to coordinate delivery times, but clients expressed a preference for live communication. Yuri Korobeinikov, Sales Director of Skif-Cargo, stated that after discontinuing the robot, the consumer loyalty index increased, indicating a strong desire for personal engagement.
Balyura echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for human interaction in logistics. He predicts that the future will see hybrid models where robots handle simple requests while complex inquiries are transferred to human operators. This approach aims to balance efficiency with the personal touch that clients value.
In a related development, researchers from the Russian company Smart Engines have created an innovative system for the automatic monitoring of cargo containers using augmented reality (AR) glasses. This advancement represents a significant leap in the integration of technology within the logistics sector, showcasing how AI can enhance operational efficiency.
As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the competition among tech giants like Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent is intensifying. The rapid adoption of AI applications and voice assistants underscores the growing reliance on technology across various industries, from social media to logistics. With companies striving to enhance user experience through multifunctional applications and personalized services, the future of AI appears to be one of hybrid solutions that blend the efficiency of machines with the empathy of human interaction.
