Written By With these new products, Alibaba is seeking to compete with other tech giants, such as Amazon, Google, and Apple, who have already made significant headway in the smart speaker and chatbot markets. But how do Alibaba’s products compare to those of its competitors?
Chat App: DingTalk
Alibaba’s new chat app, DingTalk, is similar to the popular messaging app Slack. The app is designed to be used in a business setting, allowing users to communicate with their colleagues and share files and documents. However, DingTalk also includes AI-powered features, such as chatbots that can answer frequently asked questions and offer support.
Compared to Slack, DingTalk has several advantages. Firstly, it is free to use, whereas Slack charges a monthly fee for premium features. Secondly, DingTalk is designed specifically for businesses, meaning that it includes features that are useful in a corporate setting, such as the ability to create and join groups based on project or department.
However, DingTalk also has some drawbacks. The app’s user interface is not as polished as Slack’s, and some users have reported experiencing technical issues. Additionally, DingTalk’s chatbots are not yet as sophisticated as those offered by other chatbot platforms, such as IBM Watson or Microsoft Azure.
Smart Speaker: Tmall Genie
Alibaba’s Tmall Genie smart speaker is designed to compete with devices such as Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home. The speaker incorporates Alibaba’s AI assistant, AliGenie, which can perform a range of tasks, such as setting reminders, playing music, and controlling smart home devices.
Compared to its competitors, the Tmall Genie has some unique features. For example, it includes a “child mode” that limits access to certain content and functions, making it a good option for families with young children. Additionally, the Tmall Genie is significantly cheaper than its competitors, with a retail price of around $70.
However, the Tmall Genie also has some drawbacks. Firstly, the device’s voice recognition technology is not as accurate as that of other smart speakers, meaning that users may have to repeat themselves more often. Additionally, the Tmall Genie’s range of functions is more limited than that of its competitors, as it does not currently support as many third-party apps or services.
Conclusion
Overall, Alibaba’s foray into the chatbot and AI speaker market has been met with mixed reviews. While DingTalk and Tmall Genie offer some unique features and advantages, they also have some notable drawbacks that may limit their appeal to consumers.
Despite this, Alibaba’s entry into the market is significant, as it represents a further expansion of the company’s already extensive AI capabilities. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that Alibaba and other tech giants will continue to compete for dominance in this growing industry.
