Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2026-01-19 12:44Core Insights - Alibaba has integrated its Qianwen App into its ecosystem, including Taobao, Alipay, and other services, positioning it as a "super agent" to differentiate from competitors like Doubao and Yuanbao [1] - The year 2025 is referred to as the "AI Hardware Year," marking a surge in AI hardware products like AI glasses and headphones, aiming to replace smartphones as essential devices [3][4] - Major tech companies are actively investing in AI hardware, with products like ByteDance's Doubao and ZTE's nubia M153 generating significant buzz [1][9] Trend 1: Hardware Manufacturers Competing in AI Vertical Market - The AI hardware market is experiencing intense competition, with various companies launching products aimed at becoming essential devices [2][3] - Plaud, an AI hardware company, has successfully sold over 1 million units by targeting high-decision, high-dialogue, and high-knowledge-density users [3] - The trend of vertical market products achieving commercial viability is notable, as companies leverage AI to enhance hardware functionality [4] Trend 2: Major Companies Stirring the Hardware Market - Internet giants are diversifying into hardware, with companies like ByteDance and Alibaba launching AI products to complement their existing software ecosystems [9][10] - The strategies include direct hardware development and providing foundational models for other hardware manufacturers [10][11] - Tencent is focusing on robotics and has launched a modular platform for intelligent robots, indicating a shift towards hardware integration [11] Trend 3: Ecosystem Integration of Super Applications - Alibaba's Qianwen App has been upgraded to support over 400 tasks, integrating with various services to enhance user experience [15][17] - Tencent is betting on WeChat as a super application, aiming to create an AI assistant that can understand user needs and execute tasks within its ecosystem [17][18] - The competition among major companies is intensifying as they seek to create comprehensive user experiences through integrated applications [19] Trend 4: New Competitive Logic from Emerging AI Models - Emerging AI model companies, referred to as the "Six Little Tigers," are positioning themselves alongside major tech firms in the race for super applications [22][23] - These companies are focusing on high-value sectors like healthcare, with products that aim to redefine user engagement and application functionality [23][24] - The competition is shifting from traditional metrics of success to a focus on model capabilities and user experience [24][25] Predictions: Who Will Define the Super Entry? - The battle for the next generation of "super entry" is ongoing, with hardware and software companies vying for dominance [29][30] - Challenges remain in the AI hardware sector, including user privacy and the clarity of business models for AI applications [30][31] - The concept of a "super entry" may evolve, with the potential for more neutral and open platforms to emerge as key players [31]