Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-18 06:33Core Insights - The Chinese AI landscape reached a historic turning point during the 2026 Spring Festival, marked by Alibaba's launch of the Qwen 3.5-Plus model, which transitioned from a pure text model to a native multimodal model [1][6] - The Qwen app became the world's first AI assistant capable of performing tasks, with over 130 million users experiencing AI shopping for the first time during the festival [1][2] Group 1: Model and Application Development - Alibaba's Qwen model has achieved a significant leap in capabilities, focusing on task execution rather than just text generation and image creation [2] - Since its public testing in November 2025, Qwen has integrated with various Alibaba services, offering over 400 task execution functions, allowing users to complete complex tasks with simple natural language commands [2][3] - The app's daily active users (DAU) reached 73.52 million, nearing the 78.71 million of a competing service, with a notable increase in orders from rural areas and older demographics [2][3] Group 2: Technological and Ecological Advantages - Alibaba's dual advantage of a strong model and a robust ecosystem has positioned it uniquely in the AI landscape, enabling the Qwen app to serve as a national AI assistant [3][4] - The "Tongyun Ge" strategy, which includes self-developed chips and a comprehensive cloud service, has laid a solid technical foundation for the AI assistant [3] - Alibaba's extensive consumer ecosystem, built over 20 years, provides a natural testing ground for AI applications, integrating various services to meet complex user needs [3][4] Group 3: Broader Implications for AI in Daily Life - The transition from AI as a conversational tool to a practical assistant signifies a paradigm shift in AI's value proposition, emphasizing real-world applications [2][6] - The success of the Qwen app illustrates a unique Chinese approach to AI, focusing on integrating technology into everyday life rather than merely showcasing capabilities [5][6] - The 2026 Spring Festival may mark the beginning of a new era in AI-driven consumer habits and lifestyles, as evidenced by the widespread adoption of AI for everyday tasks [6]