Alibaba Intensifies AI Battle with Cutting-Edge Open-Source Models

Alibaba Unveils Advanced AI Model for Image Understanding and Conversations

Alibaba Group Holding Limited has introduced a cutting-edge artificial intelligence model that goes beyond its previous products in understanding images and engaging in complex conversations.

The company is stepping up its game with two new open-source models, Qwen-VL and Qwen-VL-Chat, which are poised to challenge other players, including those in the open-source sector, according to CNBC.

Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of Facebook, has already entered the AI arena with its open-source tools, taking on Microsoft Corp-backed OpenAI.

Alibaba’s AI tools are now available for researchers, academics, and businesses globally, streamlining the development of AI applications and reducing costs.

Qwen-VL can adeptly handle a variety of open-ended questions related to images and even generate descriptive captions. On the other hand, Qwen-VL-Chat is designed for intricate interactions, such as analyzing multiple image inputs and providing answers to various queries.

Alibaba’s Qwen-VL-Chat can craft stories and visuals based on user-provided photos, and it’s even capable of solving mathematical problems presented in images.

Interestingly, the latest version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT also possesses the capability to comprehend images and deliver text-based responses, mirroring Qwen-VL-Chat’s functionality.

This move follows Alibaba’s previous release of two other open-source AI models in August. By expanding its open-source offerings, the company aims to attract a broader user base for its AI models, coinciding with preparations for an initial public offering of its cloud division.

Despite the ongoing semiconductor technology embargo for China, the U.S. has extended its exemption for another year. This comes amidst efforts by U.S. chipmakers, including Nvidia Corp, to navigate the situation.

Speaking of Nvidia, the company has once again impressed the market with its second-quarter results, solidifying the notion that the AI boom is far from over. Nvidia’s projection for third-quarter revenue is set at around $16.00 billion, with a minor margin of error.

As of the most recent update, Alibaba’s shares (BABA) experienced a slight increase of 0.04%, trading at $89.15 on Friday.