Core Insights - Alibaba officially launched the "Qianwen" project on November 17, aiming to enter the AI-to-C (consumer-facing AI) market with the public beta of the Qianwen App, which is based on the advanced open-source model Qwen3, competing directly with ChatGPT [2] - The competition among top tech giants in China and the U.S. has shifted to the next phase, focusing on the battle for the "super entrance" to the AI world, similar to the rise of mobile internet [3][4] - The ultimate goal for AI players is to create a "super application" that can integrate various life services and become an indispensable tool for users, rather than just a smart toy [5][6] Industry Dynamics - The competition is characterized by two main fronts: the "engine war," which focuses on the capabilities of large models, and the "entrance war," which emphasizes how to productize AI capabilities to meet user needs [4][5] - The success of AI applications will depend on building a closed-loop ecosystem that combines models, tools, and scenarios, rather than just the number of model parameters [5][6] - Major AI companies are increasingly aware of this dynamic, with OpenAI and Google also working to integrate their AI models into broader ecosystems, while Alibaba leverages its existing e-commerce and cloud computing ecosystem in China [5][6] Future Outlook - The competition for the "super entrance" is not only about market value but will also shape the global technology landscape for the next decade, with companies racing to establish their positions [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive dynamics between AI application providers, like Perplexity, and smartphone manufacturers, highlighting the struggle for control over user interaction and data in the AI era [1][4][17]. Group 1: AI Application Providers - Perplexity is attempting to promote its AI browser, Perplexity Comet, by lobbying Android phone brands for pre-installation, aiming to secure a primary entry point for AI interactions [1][4]. - The strategy of pre-installation is seen as a challenge to smartphone manufacturers, who prefer to maintain control over their devices' AI capabilities and user data [3][12]. Group 2: Smartphone Manufacturers - Major smartphone brands, including Xiaomi, OPPO, and Samsung, are developing their own AI models and integrating them into core functionalities, making them reluctant to allow external AI applications to dominate user interactions [8][16]. - Manufacturers view the pre-installation of external AI applications as a threat to their strategic control over user data and experience, which they believe is essential for long-term competitiveness [17][18]. Group 3: Competitive Dynamics - The relationship between AI application providers and smartphone manufacturers is characterized by a complex interplay of competition and cooperation, where both parties seek to leverage their strengths [5][12]. - The article draws parallels between the current situation in the AI mobile sector and the past experiences of car manufacturers with Apple’s CarPlay, emphasizing the importance of controlling user interaction and data [13][16].