Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has launched New Quark, an upgraded AI-powered mobile assistant app, marking its latest push to stay competitive in China’s rapidly evolving AI sector.

The app features an advanced chatbot capable of deep reasoning, assisting users with tasks like trip planning and summarizing online content. Alibaba aims for New Quark to enhance both professional and personal productivity.

This move follows Alibaba’s increased investment in AI, including the debut of DeepScience in January. CEO Yongming Wu previously stated the company’s commitment to expanding AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and applications over the next three years.

Competition in AI-powered applications continues to intensify. Last week, a Chinese startup introduced Manos, an AI tool designed to scan resumes, generate travel itineraries, and analyze stock market trends.

The global AI virtual assistant market is projected to surge from $10.4 billion in 2024 to $154.8 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31%, according to market.us. North America currently leads the sector, accounting for 40% of market revenue, surpassing $4.1 billion last year.